#142: Award Winner Empowers World's Poorest Laborers |

October 23, 2014 - Read the full Your Mark on the World article and watch the interview here: http://bit.ly/ZNmKY4. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes by clicking here: http://bit.ly/ymotwitunes or on Stitcher by clicking here: http://bit.ly/ymotwstitcher. One of the highlights at this year’s SOCAP was the presentation of the Gratitude Awards from the Gratitude Network; Labor Link from Good World Solutions won the Community Development Award. Heather Franzese, Executive Director of Good World Solutions, explains the underpinnings of Labor Link, “There are nearly 7 billion mobile subscriptions globally. That’s nearly one for every person on the planet. Bangladesh has only 8% internet penetration and 70% mobile penetration, so the most vulnerable workers are not online. Labor Link is trying to reach them directly through their phones, or the phone of a friend or family member.” Key employment opportunities in the developing world can be hazardous. “Manufacturing contributes 15% of economic output in India and 31% in China. What are conditions like for those workers? With mobile, now we can ask them directly,” adds Heather. "Workers trust Labor Link more than in-person interviews for sensitive information on topics like sexual harassment, unpaid wages, and locked exits that prevent them from leaving the factory," she concludes.