C&A Foundation and Ashoka have partnered to launch Fabric of Change, a global initiative that promotes social innovations to ensure a sustainable and equitable apparel industry. This three-year partnership fosters social entrepreneurs and their ideas to advance our shared vision of fashion as a force for good. The global apparel industry is an important driver of economic growth and provides economic opportunities for millions of women and men around the world. However, the industry has often turned a blind eye toward its environmental and social impacts. This report is an invitation to re-envision the possibilities for systemic change in the industry through the eyes of social entrepreneurs. Social entrepreneurs tackle complex challenges and change patterns across society through tireless dedication and bold innovation to rethink problems and solutions. Based on the work of leading social entrepreneurs and insights from industry experts, this report identifies cross-cutting patterns that can unlock industry-wide transformation. Partners are crucial in enabling the impact of social entrepreneurs—alone, no single entity can solve the apparel industry’s most pressing problems. We hope that the insights in this report will inspire all actors— including government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, consumers, aspiring social innovators, and others—to think big, connect, and collaborate.
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We want to hear from you. This Social Innovation Mapping report will continue to evolve, and we want to include your perspective. Contact us at fabricofchange@ashoka.org to: • • •
Nominate social entrepreneurs to join the network and be considered for inclusion in future versions of this report; Share your expertise on the apparel industry and provide greater nuance to this report’s analysis; Join the conversation online to help raise awareness and expand the movement for industrywide change.
By joining forces we can accelerate progress. We invite you to connect with Fabric of Change and its network of problem solvers. Let’s work together to act boldly to transform fashion into a force for good. To learn more, visit the Fabric of Change website: changemakers.com/fabricofchange