Two NGOs denounce the alleged sexual harassment in Chinese factories, foremost among which Mattel. The maker of Barbie, who claims to be feminist, would look away.
Barbie, the doll that has become feminist and anti-discrimination, is it made by sexually harassed workers? Already in December 2019, the workers' defense association Action Aide France revealed in a report the working conditions in a Chinese factory belonging to the Mattel group, where exploitation and sexual violence were, according to it, currency current. The brand then refused to communicate on its policy against sexual harassment and did not announce measures to put an end to this situation.
This December 3, 2020, Action Aid France is joining forces with the NGO China Labor Watch to reveal the appalling working conditions of Chinese workers. According to a new comprehensive report, which is based on a "undercover investigation", those who manufacture the Barbie doll in one of the Chinese factories of the Mattel group evolve in a hostile climate. An employee explains as follows: "I feel like bosses never yell at men (…) A girl in my line left the factory because she was being reprimanded until she cried . " The context is also conducive to sexual harassment, and if "no rape" is currently to be deplored, the report points to a significant risk that the situation will degenerate.
Why this climate? Women represent around 70% of people employed in Chinese production chains. For the past ten years, for both economic and demographic reasons, factories have recruited more men. The new composition of the workshops significantly changes the working atmosphere, making more acute a problem that remains taboo in China: that of gender-based and sexual violence. A situation that Mattel is aware of, without taking any action.
Feminist marketing versus manufacturing conditions
The association is now asking the firm to take stock of the gravity of the situation and take action to immediately end gender-based and sexual violence in all of its factories. Facts all the more shocking as the brand claims to be feminist and publishes educational videos, in which Barbie explains racism or invites little girls to be ambitious. Alice Bordaçarre, campaign manager for the association, underlines the dichotomy between the brand's feminist communication, which wishes all little girls to grow up and fulfill themselves in the best possible conditions, and the reality of the production of the iconic doll. : "In the factories we have investigated, women produce the Barbie dolls out of fear of being humiliated or harassed. The multinational does nothing to stop the sexual harassment that reigns in its factories. Mattel must, by all means. urgently, adopt an ambitious policy of prevention, punishment and repair ".
Today, the women concerned do not dare to complain, for fear of losing their jobs. However, the multinational "is responsible for the working conditions in its factories in China and elsewhere", insists the association. Especially since the adoption of a new Civil Code in China is forcing companies to apply policies against sexual harassment. What can be done to change the situation? "We are not calling for a boycott, because we support local unions who tell us it would create job losses. That is why we are not advocating this course of action.", explains Alice Bordaçarre. In contrast, the association has created a call that, with each signature, addresses the CEO of Mattel by email. To follow the mobilization, it's here!