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“3 out of 4 of factory managers in China felt the women’s health training program had made a positive impact and said they would continue the program with their own funding”

HERproject in Action

HERproject has launched pilot projects in China and Pakistan, and projects are set to roll out in Viet Nam and India in 2008.

Typically, projects are implemented over 12 months with the goal that they will continue after the pilot phase ends. Program components include:

  • Needs Assessment: Randomized survey of workers to determine health knowledge and define critical needs
  • Peer Health Educator Training: Two-day training courses for 3-5 percent of female workers with half-day refreshers every 3 months
  • Onsite Health Services Improvements: Initial assessment, training of clinic staff in women’s health needs, augmentation of clinic staff and creation of a new clinic or a mobile clinic system
  • Exit Survey: The program’s impact on employee’s health education, access to services and overall workplace satisfaction
  • Audit*: Review of factory records, such as absenteeism and turnover, to determine whether health activities have improved factory productivity (Optional)
  • Male Worker Training: Peer health education trainings for male workers on women’s health issues (Optional)

* Due to funding restrictions, ESD is unable to facilitate ROI studies in China.

HERproject Objectives

  • Improved health awareness among female factory workers
  • Enhanced access to critical women’s general and reproductive health services
  • Increased worker engagement

Problem Statement

  • Managers do not perceive the value of health programs for female workers
  • High turnover among worker populations limits the relevance of training programs
  • Young, unmarried women workers are perceived as not sexually active and thus not at risk

Outcomes

  • Demonstrated improvements in the health of female workers and their families
  • Change in attitudes towards health programs for women through dialogue among brands, suppliers, health providers and funders