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MAS partners UNFPA to advance Women’s Health and Wellbeing in the apparel sector

On 28 November, Global apparel-tech conglomerate MAS and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership marks the beginning of a year-long collaboration aimed at supporting women's health and reproductive health.

The MOU consolidated a shared vision between MAS and UNFPA to increase investment into women’s health and wellbeing. It seeks to empower and encourage women and girls in the apparel sector to speak up and for corporates to create safe public spaces. Through the partnership, both organizations will work together to upgrade medical centers, conduct awareness programs, and establish wellness facilities in BOI zones accessible to employees of the apparel sector.

"Supporting women's health and wellbeing isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do for our communities and businesses. This partnership gives us a clear framework on how we can work together to make a meaningful difference. We’re proud to be part of this initiative, creating a positive impact for women, who are undoubtedly the backbone of the apparel industry." Suren Fernando, CEO of MAS Holdings.

To achieve this, MAS and UNFPA will co-design and pilot a scalable model for wellness centers to enhance access to essential services, including Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Gender-Based Violence (GBV) support, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS).

MAS will use UNFPA’s Return on Investment Tool (ROI-T for Her) to estimate the potential financial returns achieved through the implementation of health-related programs. In this way, MAS hopes to reinforce the value of these initiatives and encourage companies to invest in advancing health, wellness, and protection for women and girls in the industry.

The MOU signing coincides with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual global campaign calling for collective action to end violence against women and girls. The campaign commences on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day. During this period, MAS will join many government and private sector parties to illuminate key buildings in orange—a symbol of solidarity with survivors—and enhance awareness work carried out at its facilities to encourage collective action against gender-based violence. On 25 November, UNFPA, with the Government of Sri Lanka, UN Agencies and the Forum Against Gender-based Violence, lit up the Colombo Municipal Council in orange to raise awareness around and mobilize action against violence against women and girls as a part of the ‘Orange the World’ global campaign.

Ahead of the MOU signing, MAS organized two awareness sessions led by Bimali Amaresekera, UNFPA National Programme Analyst, Women’s Rights and Gender. The sessions equipped employees with knowledge and tools to advocate for women’s health and gender equality within their workplaces and communities. These sessions added to the comprehensive framework of education, support and advocacy that MAS drives, to combat gender based violence and promote women’s health and wellbeing. Over 80 participants, ranging from internal trainers, counsellors and volunteers from within the organisation witnessed the signing ceremony, marking their involvement in this transformative initiative.

“When businesses step up with workplace initiatives like this, they create awareness, but beyond that they drive investment, and make health and wellbeing services accessible at scale. It is about giving women across industries the support they need to thrive.”

“This partnership is a powerful example of what’s possible when corporate and global efforts come together to build safer, healthier environments for everyone, ultimately advancing health equity and gender parity. By creating safe public spaces and fostering collective action, we are empowering and encouraging women and girls in the apparel sector to invest in their health and wellbeing," said UNFPA Representative Kunle Adeniyi.

This partnership also aligns with MAS’ Plan for Change, a commitment to driving sustainable transformation within the business and across its stakeholder network. Guided by the principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), part of MAS’ focus is Changing Lives for Good—and a key pillar of its strategy is to empower women. Initiatives under this MOU, alongside ongoing efforts like the Women Go Beyond program, will further advance MAS’ vision of achieving gender parity and meaningful impact.

The crisis of gender-based violence is urgent. There is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls. Through coordinated efforts, Sri Lanka can look forward to a future where gender-based violence is seen only in history books

Photo Captions:

SHA_2096: Signing image: Kunle Adeniya, Representative- Sri Lanka, Country Director- Maldives, Suren Fernando, CEO of MAS Holdings and Surath Chandrasena, Finance Director of MAS Holdings