Child labour, as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), involves work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity while harming their physical and mental development. Despite its illegality—children under 15 are prohibited from working, and those under 18 cannot undertake hazardous tasks—there are an estimated 170 million child labourers worldwide. This number may even be higher. A significant portion of these children are exploited in the fashion industry, toiling in textile factories and sweatshops to produce garments for global brands.

The exploitation of children in the workforce stems from a mix of vulnerabilities and systemic issues. Children are particularly at risk due to their immaturity and limited understanding of their rights, making them easier to exploit with low wages and harsh working conditions. Economic hardship plays a central role, particularly in countries where wages are insufficient for families to survive. Poverty often forces families to rely on every member, including children, to contribute to household income, creating a vicious cycle of deprivation.

Education is another key factor. In countries like Bangladesh, where child labour is prevalent, the education system struggles to retain students. Although education is compulsory, only 64% of Bangladeshi children complete secondary school, with many boys leaving to work and girls dropping out to marry. Even among those who finish, only 25% achieve basic competencies. Without access to quality education, the opportunities for these children remain bleak, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and labour.

Immigration also plays a role. Many immigrants work for lower wages due to a lack of legal status or limited work permits. In Turkey, where a significant number of Syrian refugees reside, the garment industry exemplifies this exploitation. Over 75% of Syrian refugees work more than 45 hours a week—above Turkey’s legal limit—and are often paid less than the minimum wage. Among these workers, 31.1% are employed in the garment industry, far outpacing other sectors like trade and hospitality.

The global market for child labour in fashion thrives on demand. The rise of fast fashion has driven this demand, prioritising cheap and trendy clothing over ethical considerations. Consumers’ appetite for affordable fashion often blinds them to the real cost—the lives and futures of exploited children. Fast fashion brands rely heavily on low-to-middle-income countries to produce their goods at minimal cost, a practice that frequently involves child labour.

However, not all companies are intentionally complicit. Many brands focus on their direct suppliers but fail to monitor the subcontractors these suppliers may use. The layers of subcontracting make it challenging to trace the origins of a garment, creating an opaque supply chain where exploitation can occur at any level. A 2019 Ethical Fashion Report revealed some progress: 35% of companies now have robust plans to address child or forced labour in their supply chains, up from 17%. While encouraging, this figure underscores the need for more widespread corporate commitment to ethical practices.

Eliminating child labour in the fashion industry demands a multifaceted approach targeting both root causes and systemic issues. Governments must prioritise access to quality education in areas where child labour is rampant, offering incentives to families and tackling poverty’s underlying causes. Legislation against child labour must be enforced rigorously. The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (CTSCA) is an example of effective policy, requiring large companies operating in California to disclose their efforts to combat slavery and human trafficking within their supply chains.

Fashion brands also have a critical role to play. Companies must enforce strict codes of conduct, implement thorough supply chain audits, and support initiatives to improve wages and working conditions. Transparency and accountability should be at the core of their operations.

Consumers, too, hold power. By supporting ethical brands and demanding transparency, individuals can help drive industry-wide change. Together, governments, businesses, and consumers can work towards reducing child exploitation and building a more just and sustainable future for all.