H&M has committed to tackling misconduct at one of its largest suppliers in India following the alleged murder of a female garment worker last year.

The legally binding agreement sees H&M become the first fashion brand to sign an agreement to tackle gender-based violence within Asia’s garment industry.

​​The agreement, involving Eastman Exports Global Clothing Private Ltd, a union and NGOs, is designed to support over 5,000 female garment workers.

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Jennifer Rosenbaum, executive director at the non-government organisation Global Labour Justice – International Labour Rights Forum, one of the signatories to the agreement, said: “This enforceable agreement is a model for how to bring about real change with collaboration among brands, suppliers, unions and global labour partners.

“Brands play a critical role by using commercial relationships and business leverage to reduce the existing risk of gender-based violence and harassment, incentivising suppliers to comply with remediation. We urge all brands to sign similar agreements, join this model and replicate it across the industry.”