Business
Syndicate content

Developing a Corporate Sector Model to promote cost-effective and socially-responsible action on HIV/AIDS in the community

HIV/AIDS is a devastating disease that affects populations all over the world, particularly the young and productive industrial workforce in India.  The cost associated with treating the disease is beyond the means of most persons living with HIV/AIDS.  Tata Iron & Steel Company Ltd., recognizing that the most inexpensive and cost-effective approach to battling the spread of HIV/AIDS is through education and prevention, developed a Corporate Sector Model to prevent the disease.  Since 1998, Tata Iron & Steel Company Ltd has trained over 1500 grassroots leaders to give HIV/AIDS education and has reached over 200,000 people in its AIDS Awareness Program.  Tata Iron & Steel Company Ltd. values socially-responsible community and business practices and, in 2001, its managing director signed the HIV(+) & AIDS Control Policy, demonstrating the company’s continuing commitment to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.  In June 2003 the company was given the Award for Business Excellence in the Community by the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS.

Engaging key stakeholders for resolving land disputes

This tactic of targeting absentee landowners as key stakeholders was non-confrontational and proved effective to target. The community created specific alliances with influential absentee landowners who were initially, and often unknowingly, part of the violation process. Recognition of the importance of the cooperation of this target group led to the success of the movement.

Phasing out child labor in the garment industry and providing education for ex-workers

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association (BGMEA), in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, developed the Child Labor Project to eliminate child labor in the 2,500 member factories, and to provide an alternative to former child laborers in the form of an education program.

Concentrating production of soccer balls in monitored facilities to prevent child labor

To verify that children are not working on the production process both inside and outside the factory, Reebok relies on the services of local human rights monitors who regularly, about twice monthly, inspect the production facilities. These monitors interview workers and supervise inspectors who oversee the shipments of panels in and out of the factories. They also maintain ties with the local community and visit surrounding villages to confirm that no Reebok balls are stitched outside the factories. As a result of these efforts, Reebok can now offer soccer balls labeled 'Guaranteed: Manufactured Without Child Labor.'