American Eagle commits to Cambodian HERproject

HERproject is a global initiative founded by BSR that works with multinational companies to create education programs raising awareness about feminine hygiene, nutrition, reproductive health, and access to health care services for female factory workers in developing countries. The program improves the well-being, confidence and economic potential of these workers through culturally adapted curricula, and has been deployed in 200 factories across nine countries, including Cambodia through American Eagle Outfitters’ support.

“We are honored to be launching the first HERproject in factories in Cambodia, as part of American Eagle Outfitters’ ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of young women,” said Helga Ying, Vice President of External Engagement and Social Responsibility. “We hope to expand our work with HERproject to additional factories across our global supply chain in the years to come.”

American Eagle Outfitters will support the initial set-up and funding for the development of the Cambodia training program, which will be managed by the Better Work program and implemented in collaboration with local NGO partners. HERproject training activities, program content and materials will be carefully selected and adapted to ensure the greatest impact. “Providing women access to critical health services and information helps to ensure that they are able to realize their full potential, in the workplace and beyond,” said Dan Rees, Director of Better Work.

“We are thrilled to have American Eagle Outfitters join our initiative and expand this powerful program to women working in Cambodian factories,” said Racheal Meiers, Director of HERproject at BSR. “Through partnerships like these with AEO and Better Work, HERproject is improving health and promoting empowerment for hundreds of thousands of women across global supply chains, while simultaneously contributing to more profitable and compliant businesses.”

HERproject was launched by BSR in 2007 and has improved the well-being, confidence and economic potential of more than 250,000 women through workplace program partnerships. BSR and Better Work are partnering to expand HERproject into new countries, including Cambodia, Haiti, and Lesotho, in 2014.

International Labour Organization