San Francisco, CA – September 21, 2011 – (GPS) –Today former President Bill Clinton recognized Gap Inc. for its commitment and model approach to addressing challenges in Economic Empowerment through the Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement (P.A.C.E.) program. The recognition took place during Wednesday’s closing plenary of the Clinton Global Initiative, held in New York City. Bob Fisher, son of Gap Inc. founders Doris and Don Fisher and a Gap Inc. Board Member, accepted the honor on behalf of the company.
P.A.C.E. is a comprehensive workplace education program that provides life skills and technical training for female garment workers, and is currently implemented in six countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The program asks both workers and management in garment factories to view the welfare, potential, and success of female line workers as keys to business success.
“We are deeply honored by this recognition. Investing in improving women’s lives is a natural fit for Gap Inc. and our company values,” said Bob Fisher. “The program is innovative, scalable and sustainable. Thousands of women across six countries have already participated.”
Launched in 2007, Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E. program creates opportunities for women to advance in their careers and personal lives. The garment industry is one of the world’s largest employers of low-skilled women workers. Despite their large numbers in the workforce, relatively few female garment workers advance to management positions, as many do not have access to the education and training that will propel their professional advancement. Research shows that P.A.C.E. graduates are more productive, have lower rates of absenteeism, and advance faster in the workplace than factory workers who do not participate in the program. Not only do the women participating benefit from the program, but the factories also benefit by developing a more skilled and reliable workforce.
P.A.C.E. was designed and developed in partnership with Swasti Health Resources and the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW). CARE International is a key implementing partner. Gap Inc.’s vendor partners also play a critical role. One of these vendors in India that employs more than 60,000 workers has committed to extending P.A.C.E. to all workers by the year 2020. To date, more than 7,500 female garment workers have participated in the program.
“Education of female garment workers is a distinct way our company can support positive, lasting benefits for workers and their communities. Our deep knowledge of the apparel world, our partnerships with manufacturing vendors and local NGOs have allowed us to help make meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of women,” said Gap Inc. Chairman and CEO, Glenn Murphy.
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Gap Inc.'s Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement (P.A.C.E.) program – in which the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) is a partner – was recognized today by former President Bill Clinton at the 
Zainab Likama is a Kenyan woman who strings beads into wearable works of art. She also participates in a program that’s helping her build entrepreneurial skills and expanding her access to money-making markets. 
Zainab lives and owns a small shop in the corner of this building in the Kajiado District of Kenya, known for its Maasai beadwork. The women who traditionally produce these crafts live in remote areas and have little, if any, access to markets. 
Zainab leads the Mwereri women’s group, one of several participating in trainings by Kenya Gatsby Trust to improve their productivity as well as the quality and marketability of their beadwork. “We learned that we have to use our skills,” Zainab says. “When it comes to earning money there is nothing you won’t try; you will do everything possible.” 
As part of their training, the women travel to large handicraft markets in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi and to exhibitions in neighboring countries. In both places they’re able to see which patterns and styles are selling. They then can tailor their work to the trends. “In Nairobi we learned that people other than Maasai are doing the work and making money at it,” Zainab says. “That makes us want to do better, always.” 
Zainab and the other women produce colorfully patterned bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other beaded items. Working together, they provide valuable support to each other. “If you know something, you show it to them,” Zainab says. “If they know something, they show it to you. You get ideas from others.” 
Zainab is eager to increase her production. She spends more time making beaded belts, jewelry and elaborately patterned shirts for special occasions. “I didn’t like beads at all,” she says with a laugh. “But when I started attending the training meetings I started doing it all the time. Even at 2 a.m., I am up stringing beads.” 
Through programs such as this, ICRW and its partners are gathering evidence on how best to strengthen women’s ability to change their economic situation. For women like Zainab, gaining the right skills can mean more income to support her family and a role in developing a flourishing small business sector in Kenya. 
