GAP's discharge of social responsibilities pay dividends

14 Jul '05

5 min read

International specialty clothing retailer Gap Inc issued 2004 social responsibility report, underscoring its continued commitment to improving conditions not only within its own sourcing base but throughout the global garment industry.

The report, the company's second, details progress made over the last year across four main areas of focus.

Highlights include:

· More effective techniques and strategies for monitoring factories and improving conditions;

· Steps to embed labor standards across the company's purchasing practices;

· Expanded stakeholder engagement and collaboration to achieve broader impact; and

· Ongoing commitment to communication and transparency.

"They recognize our responsibility to be a catalyst for sustainable change, and believe an integrated approach that includes collaborative multi-stakeholder engagement can help drive lasting progress across our industry," said Gap Inc CEO and President Paul Pressler. "Although we still face many challenges, we are encouraged by the progress we've made over the past year across several areas."

The report was prepared with input and guidance from the Public Reporting Working Group – a group of advisors from the socially responsible investment community that joined together in late 2002 to help the company increase transparency around its operations and ethical sourcing work. The group is comprised of Domini Social Investments, the Calvert Group, the As You Sow Foundation, the Center for Reflection, Education and Action, and the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility.

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