Advancing Decent Work and inclusive industrialization
Ethiopia’s ONE ILO Siraye Programme marks milestones in decent work and industrial development
Improved wages, safer workplaces, and gender equality—Ethiopia’s garment sector is changing for the better. The ONE ILO Siraye Programme has united workers, employers, and government for a shared vision of decent work. As Phase I concludes, stakeholders celebrate milestones and prepare for greater strides in 2025.
27 December 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ILO News) — The ONE ILO Siraye Programme, a flagship initiative to address decent work deficits in Ethiopia’s garment industry, marked its evaluation milestone during a workshop held in Addis Ababa on November 19, 2024. Attended by key stakeholders, including ILO representatives, government officials, trade unions, employers' associations, and international donors, the event showcased the programme's transformative impact on workers’ rights and industrial competitiveness.
Launched to improve working conditions in Ethiopia's burgeoning textile and garment sector, the ONE ILO Siraye Programme has delivered notable achievements despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and socio-political instability. Key outcomes include enhanced workplace safety, improved grievance mechanisms, strengthened freedom of association, and increased gender equality in leadership roles. The programme has also significantly contributed to industrial productivity and competitiveness while aligning with Ethiopia’s 10-Year Strategic Plan.
Khumbula Ndaba, Director, Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, commended the collaborative efforts of tripartite constituents and development partners.
“We are deeply grateful to the Governments of Austria, Germany, Sweden, and the United States for their unwavering support. Their contributions, along with those of the Ministry of Labour and Skills, civil society organizations, and international institutions, have been instrumental in driving this programme forward,” he said.
The workshop served as a forum for reviewing the draft evaluation report, which highlighted lessons learned and provided recommendations for future improvements. Stakeholders engaged in an open dialogue to refine the findings, ensuring accuracy and inclusivity. This feedback will inform the final report, guiding the programme’s next phase.
Participants reflected on the programme’s collective ownership model, which emphasized the shared responsibility of improving labor conditions while boosting industrial competitiveness. Development partners such as SIDA, ADA, and USDOL expressed their continued commitment to supporting Phase II, scheduled to commence in 2025.
Initially focused on the garment and textile sector, the ONE ILO Siraye Programme is now extending its approach to other labor-intensive industries, including horticulture and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). This expansion aims to replicate the successes achieved in the garment sector, furthering the ILO’s mission of promoting decent work globally.
As the workshop concluded, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and a commitment to sustaining the momentum. Stakeholders reiterated the importance of leveraging lessons learned to achieve even greater impact in the years ahead.
The ONE ILO Siraye Programme continues to be a beacon of hope for Ethiopia’s labor market, advocating for workers' rights and fostering inclusive industrial growth. With Phase II on the horizon, the initiative is poised to further strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a leader in ethical and competitive industrial practices.
About the SIRAYE Programme
The SIRAYE Programme integrates efforts from key ILO departments to address decent work and industrial development through:
- Better Work: Partners with stakeholders to enhance compliance with labor standards, improve working conditions, and boost productivity through assessments, training, and social dialogue.
- Productivity Enhancement: Delivers SCORE training and coaching to improve factory efficiency, quality management, and workplace cooperation.
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH): Strengthens legal frameworks and systems for safer workplaces, supported by initiatives like the Vision Zero Fund (VZF).
- Labour Administration and Inspection: Improves labor inspection systems and strategic compliance through training and knowledge management.
- Industrial Relations and Minimum Wage: Promotes collective bargaining, sound labor relations, and sustainable minimum wage-setting mechanisms with technical support from the ILO.
These efforts collectively enhance labor standards and drive sustainable industrial growth.
Relevant projects
Advancing Decent Work and inclusive industrialization in Ethiopia
SIRAYE: A programme on Advancing Decent Work and inclusive industrialization in Ethiopia: