CSR as a Tool to Prevent Gender-Based Discrimination. A Case Study of the Textile Export Industry in India

Abstract

This thesis examines the ability of CSR as a tool in the efforts to reduce gender based discrimination in the textile industry in the Delhi area in India. This research focuses on the CSR work programs undertaken by foreign entities using the case study of the company Lindex. Given that discrimination occurs daily facilitated by embedded cultural structures this research questions how, and if, CSR interventions can be successful in address these underlying issues. This research draws on existing literature, strengthened by factory visits and interviews. The findings are presented through four thesis questions, and shows that CSR has been effective in addressing issues in the past, and could be used to improve the situation in the workplace for women. How this can be done and the obstacles are discussed. Some of the main obstacles were found to be underlying social structures, production cycles and overtime. While areas for possible improvement were found to be; job security after maternity leave, a clear path to promotion and create awareness. It was added that although it is the state’s responsibility to uphold human rights, and the case study company Lindex is therefore limited in their actions, the recommendations are fully feasible to implement for an external entity in India.