Summary
To meet the needs of global market and shape Better Cotton relationships, the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has established a regional office in Pakistan, which is globally the fourth largest cotton producing country. Based on a detailed literature review and 40 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with key stakeholders related to the BCI in Pakistan, this report focuses on the opportunities and constraints for women workers (both hired labor and unpaid family workers) in the Pakistani Cotton Sector in Punjab province. More specifically, this report elucidates opportunities and constraints for women workers to experience decent work conditions; the role of cotton production in the socio-economic landscape of the province; the activities undertaken by the BCI Implementing Partners – both generally and also particularly as relates to women and/or gender equality.