Fighting for Justice: Soklin’s Battle After the Factory Closure
By Soklin
When JS Corp Phnom Penh abruptly shut its doors in October 2024, leaving over 1,000 workers without jobs or compensation, I knew I couldn’t stay silent. As a former worker and vice union leader, I had witnessed years of dedication and hard work from my fellow workers, only to see it all erased in an instant. This is my story—a story of resilience, injustice, and an unwavering fight for what’s right.
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My name is Soklin, I am a 26-year-old mother of two and former worker at JS Corp, Phnom Penh. I grew up as the youngest of four siblings in Kandal province, while my parents ran a small business in Phnom Penh. My childhood was anything but stable—we moved frequently between the city and the province, which disrupted my education. By the time I was 17, I couldn’t keep up with my lessons and had to leave school.
A year later, I got married and soon became a mother to my first daughter. My husband’s income alone wasn’t enough to support our growing family, so when my daughter turned four, I decided to take a job in a garment factory. In 2018, I joined JS Corp Phnom Penh as a sewing assistant.
At the factory, I quickly gained a reputation for standing up for workers’ rights, which led to me becoming the vice union leader. For six years, I dedicated my time not just to my work, but also to advocating for fair treatment for all employees.
But in October 2024, everything changed. JS Corp Phnom Penh abruptly closed without any warning. The news hit me like a shockwave. Just weeks before, the factory had hired 200 daily workers and had nearly all employees working overtime for two straight months. None of it made sense. Something felt deeply wrong, and I couldn’t ignore the fact that over 1,000 workers, including myself, had been left with nothing.
When I tried to reach out to the employers, they simply claimed bankruptcy and directed me to another operational branch. But I couldn’t accept their excuses. I knew the devastating impact this closure would have on the livelihoods of so many workers. That’s when I decided to take action.
I began gathering evidence, listening to the stories of my fellow workers, and documenting everything I could. I sent this evidence directly to GAP, one of the major buyers of JS Corp’s products, hoping they would step in to address the injustice. But months later, I’m still waiting for a response.
The factory’s closure has put me in a difficult situation. I’m now burdened with mounting debt, and while I’m eligible for USD 1,000 in compensation, it’s a fraction of what I could have earned if the factory had continued operating legally. This financial loss has been devastating not just for me but for all the other workers who trusted in the stability of JS Corp Phnom Penh.
Despite everything, I haven’t lost hope. I’m still fighting for justice, not just for myself but for the hundreds of workers who were exploited and abandoned without proper compensation. I believe that GAP should take responsibility and recognize our struggle.
I refuse to stay silent about what happened. My story is not just about loss—it’s about resilience and standing up for what’s right. Until justice is served, I will continue this fight.
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Soklin’s story is part of 'Labour Sheroes,' an initiative under the 16 Days of Activism campaign by Asia Floor Wage Alliance. Through this series, we share the stories of women garment workers from South and Southeast Asia who are breaking barriers, fighting against workplace violence and harassment, and leading the change for better working conditions in the global garment industry.
Breaking the Silence: Hafsa Bibi's Stand Against Workplace Harassment
By Hafsa Bibi
Hafsa Bibi’s life has been defined by challenges and resilience. From growing up without a father to fighting workplace harassment and providing for her children as a single mother, Hafsa’s journey reveals how courage and perseverance can transform hardship into strength. This is her story, told in her own words.
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I lost my father when I was just 3 or 4 years old. At the time, my siblings were all young and couldn’t contribute financially, so my childhood was spent moving between relatives’ homes. Some days we stayed with my paternal uncle, and at other times we were at my maternal uncle's. My mother, a housewife with no experience in the working world, suddenly became the sole provider for our family. To keep us alive, she began leasing land to manage fruit gardens and sold the fruits at the market.
It was heartbreaking to watch my mother struggle so much to ensure we were safe, fed, and cared for. But her sacrifices came at a cost—my education. I wasn’t able to continue studying beyond secondary school. I don’t really remember my father; I only know his face through photographs. Growing up, my mother and those who cared for me became the most important people in my life.
At 16, I started working to support my mother. My first job was with Pakistan Telecom Ltd., a huge step to earn money and shield my mother from the mistreatment she faced in my brothers' homes after they got married. One of my brothers’ wives was especially disrespectful, and although my mother didn’t fully understand the context, I couldn’t let her endure it. I found work with the help of a friend, rented a small place, and moved in with my mother so she no longer had to live in such an environment.
A few years later, I met my husband, and we got married. But after just two years, he fell ill and developed harmful addictions, making it impossible for him to provide for the family. I became the sole earner.
Hoping to use my sewing skills, I tried to start stitching clothes from home, but in Faisalabad, there wasn’t much demand for tailoring as most people already knew how to stitch. By then, my children were 4 and 5 years old, and I had no choice but to seek work in the garment sector.
Those initial days were incredibly hard for me. Harassment began the moment I stepped out of my home. Men on the streets stared at me, some made inappropriate remarks, and on public transportation, others deliberately brushed against me. The factory environment wasn’t much better. During my first week, I kept my head down, avoiding eye contact, because I could sense people watching me. It was intimidating, but I forced myself to focus on my work and block out the behavior around me.
Gradually, I realized that if I let others’ actions affect me, it would only make me feel powerless. I told myself that toughening up would help me persevere. This mindset allowed me to navigate the challenges.
My supervisor often assigned me the most difficult tasks, likely assuming I’d struggle. However, since I already knew how to stitch, I completed them with ease. Surprised that I didn’t falter, they continued assigning me even tougher tasks and spent a lot of time standing over me, watching me work. The constant scrutiny was draining, but I kept going.
Unfair treatment is a regular part of being a woman in the garment sector. We often work as hard as the men, but we’re belittled or told to accept misconduct in silence. Women are warned that standing up to men could jeopardize their jobs. Yet, I made the choice early on to stand up for myself and respond every time someone disrespected me.
I believe that how people treat us starts with how we see ourselves. I decided that I would not feel inferior to the men working alongside me, and I started speaking up for myself. If someone insulted or harassed me, I made sure to reply firmly and loudly to show I wasn’t weak.
In our society, it’s common for women who work outside the home to face judgment and criticism. Men, on the other hand, are never questioned. I wanted to set an example for other women, to inspire them to demand respect. Whenever I responded to someone’s inappropriate behavior, I felt I was creating a safer workplace for myself and my colleagues.
At one factory, we had a supervisor who frequently disrespected women, using abusive language and even getting physical. One day, he grabbed a bundle of fabric from me and pushed me. Reacting instinctively, I slapped him, which led to a physical altercation. To defend myself, I picked up a pair of scissors.
The matter was reported to the factory owner. CCTV footage revealed the supervisor had manhandled me, and the owner supported me, firing the supervisor on the spot. That moment restored my faith in justice and gave me a sense of pride.
My greatest achievement is my ability to provide for myself and my children through my work. Raising them entirely on my own fills me with pride. I’ve become independent, self-reliant, and more determined than ever to create a better future for them.
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Not all encounters are positive. Early in my career, the man at the stitching station next to me often made me uncomfortable, though I chose to ignore him. One day, he approached me and said his wife was seriously ill and asked for a loan for her treatment. I decided to help and promised to give him the money during lunch by going home to retrieve it. He insisted on coming with me, but I refused, knowing how it might look to others. I brought the money back and handed it to him.
A few days later, I learned he was spreading lies about me, insinuating an inappropriate relationship. This betrayal was devastating. I had helped him in good faith, and he had used it to attack my character.
Challenges like these are a reality for many women. It’s crucial to never give up, even when those you trust let you down or others try to undermine you. Women have incredible strength—they just need to recognize it. Speak up for yourself, protect your rights, and don’t let anyone make you feel less capable or valuable. Your resilience is your greatest weapon. Use it wisely, and don’t let anyone take it away from you.
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Hafsa Bibi is the Vice President of the Textile Power Loom Garment Workers Union. Her story is part of 'Labour Sheroes,' an initiative under the 16 Days of Activism campaign by Asia Floor Wage Alliance. Through this series, we share the stories of women garment workers from South and Southeast Asia who are breaking barriers, fighting against workplace violence and harassment, and leading the change for better working conditions in the global garment industry.
The Power of Perseverance: My Story of Triumph
By Bhuvaneshwari
Bhuvaneshwari's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and the unbreakable bonds of family and community. Born and raised in the small town of Kodiyal in Karnataka, she faced numerous challenges from a young age, including financial hardships, a difficult marriage, and workplace violence. However, with the unwavering support of her mother and the guidance of her union leader, Nagarathna, Bhuvaneshwari found the strength to overcome these obstacles and emerge as a powerful advocate for the rights of women workers. Her story is one of transformation, hope, and the courage to turn fear into strength.
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Born and raised in the small town of Kodiyal in Mandya District, Karnataka, I am one of three siblings - an older sister, myself, and a younger brother. Our father worked tirelessly to support our family, juggling between tailoring work during the day and security guard duties at night. His hard work and dedication allowed me to pursue my education until the 10th standard, and life became a little more comfortable when my brother started working and contributing to the family income.
At the age of 20, my parents arranged my marriage, spending Rs. 5 lakhs on the ceremony. However, my married life was far from happy. I have a stammer, and my husband, and his sister, constantly persecuted me. After enduring two years of hardship, I made the difficult decision to leave my husband and return to my parents' home in Bangalore. It was my mother's unwavering support and love that gave me the strength to forge a new path for myself and my 4-year-old son, whom she now cares for while I work to support us.
With encouragement from a neighbor, I began working at a garment factory as a checker. Though I briefly left this job to assist with my sister's wedding preparations, I soon found employment at Shahi 8 as a feeding helper. It was there that I faced one of the greatest challenges of my life. After a few months, my supervisor began subjecting me to verbal and sexual abuse. I suffered in silence until I met Nagarathna, the President of the Union. Her support and guidance helped me gain the confidence to file a complaint with the Internal Committee (IC).
Pursuing the complaint was not easy, as my co-workers distanced themselves from me, disapproving of my actions. However, with the union's support, I found the strength to persevere and appear for the inquiry. When the management finally terminated the abusive supervisor, I felt a sense of relief and pride. Now, I use my experience to help other workers, taking them to Union representatives whenever I witness misconduct or abuse. I am confident in my ability to face any challenge in the factory with courage.
Throughout my journey, my mother has been my rock. When neighbors pressured her to send me back to my husband, she stood firmly by my side, offering me unconditional love and support. Nagarathna, too, has played a crucial role in my growth, teaching me how to face workplace challenges head-on. Inspired by her empathy, I am now an active participant in union activities, fighting for the rights and justice of my fellow workers.
My dreams for the future are simple yet meaningful. I aspire to provide my son with a good education and to take care of my aging parents. In my free time, I find joy in listening to Kannada film songs and teaching my son to read, while also helping my mother with household chores.
To all my fellow women workers, I want to say this: when you face workplace violence and harassment, remember that it is not your fault, and you have nothing to be ashamed of. The perpetrator is the one who should feel ashamed. By joining the union, I found the strength to fight for my rights and emerge victorious. As women, we possess immense strength, and we must learn to transform our fear into courage.
My journey has not been easy, but it has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, courage, and the power of unity. As I continue to navigate life's challenges, I draw strength from the unwavering support of my mother and the solidarity of my fellow union members. Together, we will continue to fight for justice and build a better future for ourselves and generations to come.
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Bhuvaneshwari’s story is part of 'Labour Sheroes,' an initiative under the 16 Days of Activism campaign by Asia Floor Wage Alliance. Through this series, we share the stories of women garment workers from South and Southeast Asia who are breaking barriers, fighting against workplace violence and harassment, and leading the change for better working conditions in the global garment industry.
From Cianjur's Mountains to Factory Floors: My Fight for Justice
The mountains of Cianjur shaped my childhood, but it was the walls of garment factories that would shape my destiny. I am Dedeh Nurhasanah—Ndeh to those who know me—and this is my story of resilience, determination, and the ongoing battle against workplace injustice.
I grew up in Cianjur, where I was surrounded by mountains and a southern coastline. I lived with my parents and two sisters, and my childhood was a happy one. Although we lived simply, my sisters and I were able to complete our education and secure indoor work – sheltering us from unforgiving external elements.
Family is the most important aspect of my life—without them, I am nothing. I am someone who enjoys trying new things and engaging in different activities. My dream is to be smart, happy, and successful. If I could choose anything in this world, I would choose happiness and comfort in life.
In 2015, I learned about job openings at the Pou Yuen Indonesia Factory (PYI) and applied by sending my application through the nearest post office. I submitted my CV along with the required documents. A month later, I received a call to participate in a series of tests. Alhamdulillah, I passed and was accepted as an employee at PYI, where I also became a member of one of the factory’s unions.
Working at PYI has not always been smooth. I worked as a personal assistant to the AFL (production supervisor) of the building, where workers were often transferred to other production sites. These transfers often led workers to report their grievances to their unions, who in turn approached the AFL and me for clarification. My department was unique - housing multiple unions – which made resolving such issues even more complicated.
Life inside the factory is not always as it seems to outsiders. Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) remains a frequent challenge, affecting workers in various ways. While some workers look the other way, others are directly affected. I have personally handled cases involving GBVH, including situations where women workers were too afraid or embarrassed to report harassment, fearing judgment or ridicule.
In one case, I advocated against harassment by interrogating the involved parties and witnesses, ensuring the case was monitored to prevent a repeat offence. While we always prioritised mediation but if it failed, we did not hesitate to escalate the issue in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Another significant case involved a rule requiring all supervisors to be women due to a perception that male supervisors were more rebellious. To address this, we educated male supervisors, emphasising that the misuse of authority or violation of regulations is not a gender-specific issue.
Our efforts within the union have positively impacted the reduction of GBVH in the workplace, creating more balanced working conditions. Education and resources that were once provided mainly to men are now extended to women - fostering equality in the workplace.
Eliminating GBVH in the workplace is not easy, but it is not impossible. The challenges range from handling work tasks to managing diverse personalities and perspectives. One of my toughest challenges was dealing with an excessively narcissistic person, which tested my patience. Eventually, I found that dealing with the matter with utmost patience was the most effective strategy to overcome this difficulty.
Amid the challenges, there have been moments of pride as well. In 2013, I worked for an outsourcing company at the Indonesia Epson Industri Factory in the EJIP Cikarang Industrial Area, Bekasi. When 8,000 Epson factory workers faced contract terminations and only 30 were selected for permanent roles, I was one of those candidates. After a month of rigorous testing and an interview with a psychologist and a Japanese planning manager, I was one of the three chosen for a permanent position, the only one placed in West Java. The pride I felt when I saw my parents’ smiles at my success was unforgettable.
My efforts are not just for myself; I strive to make a positive impact on others. To maintain a safe, comfortable, and equal work environment, continuous efforts are essential, such as updating knowledge on regulations and increasing self-confidence. I draw inspiration from a person who has a positive mindset and always says "YES” to opportunities, encouraging me to embrace every chance for growth.
Nothing in life is coincidental; everything results from choices. We should never waste opportunities, just as we should unite to fight workplace injustice. When we come together and act, our voices are heard. The support from CBAs, union membership, and the Anti-Violence Handling Team (TPAK) strengthens us. Problems won’t be solved through complaints alone; action, unity, and collective effort are essential for achieving justice.
Dedeh is a Shoe Worker from Cianjur, Indonesia. Her story is part of 'Labour Sheroes,' an initiative under the 16 Days of Activism campaign by Asia Floor Wage Alliance. Through this series, we share the stories of women garment workers from South and Southeast Asia who are breaking barriers, fighting against workplace violence and harassment, and leading the change for better working conditions in the global garment industry.