Bridging the Equity Gap

The majority of workers who make our clothes are women. Yet many face persistent barriers—fewer educational opportunities, greater care responsibilities, and unfair treatment at work—that can affect their safety, wellbeing, and opportunities for advancement.

At Gap Inc., we are committed to helping bridge these gaps by investing in programs that support women, strengthen workplaces, and help create more inclusive pathways to leadership and opportunity. Through partnerships with suppliers, industry peers, and civil society organizations, we are working to help build a more equitable and resilient apparel industry.

Since 2007, Gap Inc.’s investments in gender equity have reached over 1.8 million people.

Partnerships

RISE

In 2007, Gap Inc. partnered with the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) to launch P.A.C.E. (Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement), an educational program designed to help women build skills, confidence, and career opportunities. Reaching over 1 million women, P.A.C.E. helped lay the foundation for Gap Inc.’s long-standing commitment to advancing gender equity in global supply chains.

P.A.C.E. was just the beginning. These challenges extend beyond any one company and require collective action. In 2023, Gap Inc. partnered with BSR’s HERproject™, CARE, and ILO-IFC Better Work to co-found RISE: Reimagining Industry to Support Equality.

RISE brings together brands, manufacturers, civil society, and trade unions to advance gender equity across the apparel, footwear, and textile industries. As a founding member, Gap Inc. serves on the RISE Steering Committee and Technical Working Groups. Through RISE, we are working to scale proven programs, embed gender equity in business practices, and drive broader systems change across the industry.

Capability-Building Programs

Gap Inc. works with Tier 1 facilities outside the U.S. to turn workplace standards into day-to-day practices through practical tools and training for workers, supervisors, workplace committees, and management. By embedding a gender lens across these programs, we help build workplaces that support equal opportunity for women in leadership and advancement.

RISE Foundations

RISE Foundations builds essential skills for garment workers to succeed at work and in life. Based on proven concepts from Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E. program, it delivers training on communication, problem-solving, financial literacy, worker rights and responsibilities, and sexual and reproductive health. Participant feedback shows increased confidence, stronger communication, and greater awareness of rights.

Workplace Cooperation Program

The Workplace Cooperation Program strengthens communication and problem-solving between workers and management. Developed with ILO-IFC Better Work, it trains worker-management committees on workplace communication, risk assessment, health and safety, gender dynamics, and core labor standards. Evaluations indicate that participating committees are better able to raise and address workplace issues, helping build trust and improve conditions.

Supervisory Skills Training

Supervisory Skills Training builds more effective and inclusive frontline leadership. Developed with ILO-IFC Better Work, it equips current and future supervisors with skills such as listening, conflict resolution, and time management. The program also supports gender equity by preparing women for supervisory roles and leadership opportunity. Evaluations show that trained supervisors demonstrate more respectful behaviors and stronger communication with workers.