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INTRODUCTION TO THE POLICY DIALOGUE TOOLKIT The fashion industry affects many lives, from farmer to factory worker to final consumer. Everyone wears clothes - whether you are interested in fashion or not, we still have to get dressed! That is why sustainability in fashion, better practices and a more mindful approach to how we make, buy and wear our clothes benefits us all. Fashion and textiles have played an important role in the history of global trade and international development. Today, fashion is one of the most globalised industries. It also relies on many other industries, including agriculture, chemicals, oil, transport, communications and technology. Our governments, from the local to the national and international level, play an essential role in writing the rules, upholding standards, and enforcing the laws and regulations that shape the global fashion industry. These influential governmental policies help determine the impact that the fashion industry has on the environment, people and communities across the world. Therefore, policies — such as laws, regulations, government directives and standards — have the power to transform our world, actively reducing poverty, creating sustainable livelihoods, promoting human well-being, empowering women and girls and protecting ecosystems. We all have a stake in ensuring that the fashion industry contributes positively to society and our planet. However, many voices are often left out of policy discussions. Consumers, producers and factory workers, creative professionals, artisans, farmers and other stakeholders should be an integral part of policymaking as they each hold valuable insights, experience and knowledge — but often these groups are not consulted, especially not by those who make laws and influence fashion industry norms. This is why we are inviting you to create your own policy discussion, inviting people with many different perspectives to weigh in on how the laws and policies that shape the fashion industry in your country need to be improved.
IN THIS TOOLKIT, YOU WILL LEARN:
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What is a Policy Dialogue and how it can be a useful tool
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How to organise your own Policy Dialogue
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How to choose a focus issue for your Policy Dialogue
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How to investigate and map out relevant stakeholders and policy issues in your country or region
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Who to involve in your Policy Dialogue and how to ensure that their insights and ideas are heard and put into action
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How to analyse the outcomes and information gathered through your Policy Dialogue
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How to turn your analysis into actionable policy recommendations that you can share with governments, influential decisionmakers and your own community
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How to creatively and effectively communicate and disseminate your policy recommendations to various audiences
