Action Aid and China Labour Watch

Action Aid contacted me in 2024 after discovering my work on LinkedIn.

The organisation needed to translate a report by China Labor Watch on an undercover investigation into the living and working conditions of workers at Mattel factories. It was looking to collaborate with an activist translator who knew how to use inclusive language.

This translation was confidential, as the investigation had to remain a secret until the campaign to expose Mattel was launched.

The report highlighted the dichotomy between the company’s feminist presentation in its Barbie film and the sexism and exploitation that prevailed in its factories in China.

This report was different from the ones I usually translate, as I often translate content aimed at raising awareness. Here, I was able to familiarise myself with the vocabulary used in factories and production lines, as well as the topic of workers’ rights. I really enjoyed it.

The translation was intended for internal use in writing a report, which is available here.