ElectroPower, which is led by Südwind and funded by the European Commission, aims to prevent and remedy forced labour in electronics supply chains in Asia. Electronics Watch is one of the project partners.

Innovative aspects of the project include an emphasis on collaboration between trade unions and civil society organisations, and the inclusion of mineral smelters in Indonesia as part of the electronics supply chain. Electronics Watch is leading a work package on developing and reinforcing worker-driven social responsibility that empowers workers. Through monitoring in factories and smelters, our role is to facilitate remediation based on our impact model.

The grants offered by the ElectroPower Fund will support grassroots initiatives that tackle forced labour in the electronics supply chain in Malaysia and Thailand, and nickel smelters in Indonesia. ElectroPower is looking for projects that are led by or closely connected to workers — especially migrant workers and women.

ElectroPower can support initiatives that organise and mobilise workers, and build local monitoring and support networks. It also supports projects that provide training on labour rights and legal empowerment, or advocate for structural change and take action against forced labour practices.

Who can apply?

• Migrant workers’ associations (formal or informal)
• Local, independent trade unions
• Civil society organisations (CSOs) working on labour rights, legal advocacy, community mobilisation, or worker-led monitoring
• You don’t need to be a registered NGO to apply. What matters is your strong link to workers and your commitment to their rights.

What ElectroPower offers:

• Grants of €10,000 – €30,000 (full cost coverage)
• Mentoring and support for project implementation
• Visibility and networking through the ElectroPower project

For full details and to apply, please visit https://www.suedwind.at/call-for-applications-electropower-fund/ . The deadline for applications is 14 November.