Inditex launches €3.75mn scholarship program for female garment workers in Bangladesh
- Desk Report
Inditex, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, has partnered with the Asian University for Women (AUW) to launch a groundbreaking scholarship initiative aimed at empowering female textile workers in Bangladesh through higher education.
The new program will provide comprehensive academic support to 50 women employed in Inditex’s partner supplier factories, offering them access to pre-university and university-level education over the next five years.

With a total funding of €3.75 million, the scholarship will cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, creating transformative opportunities for personal and professional development.
Notably, the program is set to commence in the upcoming academic year, with the selection process taking place at Inditex's supply chain factories across Bangladesh.
Additionally, AUW will conduct informational sessions, admission tests, and interviews directly at the factories, ensuring accessibility for all interested workers to identify and nurture talent among those who might otherwise face significant barriers to higher education.
Access to university education remains a pressing issue in Bangladesh, especially for women. Female enrollment continues to lag behind male counterparts, making initiatives like this critical for driving change.
AUW has long been dedicated to empowering women from diverse backgrounds to become skilled professionals and leaders in their communities.
“At Inditex, we believe that empowering women through education is one of the most effective ways to drive lasting and meaningful change in these communities,” said Inditex CEO Óscar García Maceiras. “Through this scholarship program, we are investing in the future of female workers—the backbone of our supply chain.”
Cherie Blair, Chancellor of AUW also said, “As the first one in my family to enter university, I know how powerful higher education can be in opening doors. I commend Inditex for this far-reaching commitment that will help deepen AUW’s ability to identify and nurture hidden talent.”
This initiative represents a significant step forward in recognizing and investing in the potential of women working in Bangladesh’s textile sector, aiming to create ripple effects in communities and industries alike.