Thank you Shirley Schijvens for joining us for this inspiring conversation. We hope this dialogue sparks new ideas and fuels others on their own Leaders of Progress Journey.
LEADERS OF PROGRESS SPOTLIGHT #6
SHIRLEY SCHIJVENS
CEO, Schijvens Corporate Fashion
She transformed the 160‑year‑old family business into a pioneer
of circular fashion with a transparent supply chain.
“A Leader of Progress is someone whose sustainability journey inspires others to take action.”
In your own words, what does it mean to be a Leader of Progress?
“Being named a Leader of Progress is exciting because it shows that our journey has sparked inspiration beyond our own steps. Our actions may only seem like a drop in the ocean, but once others join in, real systems change becomes possible.
That gives me the energy to keep going: to bring people together, to simplify collaboration, and, above all, to keep things practical and doable.”
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Radical Transparency: The Driving Force of Circularity
What is the most important change Schijvens has made to truly embed sustainability into its overall strategy?
“The most transformative change for our company has been embracing full-spectrum transparency. We now openly share all our data and production locations with both customers and suppliers.
This trust-based approach transformed our supply chain from a traditional vertical model into a circular one. Today, everyone in our ecosystem, from suppliers and sewers to customers, wearers, NGOs, banks and logistics partners, understands their role, their value and their responsibility. It truly feels like one family.
That transparency laid the foundation for other milestones, such as our living wage initiative and our circular garment system, where old garments are recycled into new ones.”
Empowering Women in Pakistan: Project Rasai
Can you name one specific project where you made real progress possible?
“One of the projects I am most proud of is Rasai, our Women Empowerment Project in Pakistan. Pakistan has a large and thriving textile industry, yet gender equality remains very low. Many women are excluded from the workforce, not because they lack interest or ability, but because cultural norms often prevent them from pursuing jobs.
In 2023, together with three production partners, we set up training workshops for women who never had the chance to start a career. Today, 100 women have thriving jobs, are eager to learn, and are proud to earn their own income.
This project is also deeply personal for me. My own mother was denied similar opportunities in the Netherlands when she was young, and it caused her a lot of heartache. Being able to open doors for a new generation of women makes this project especially meaningful to me.”
Looking 25 years ahead...
“.... I dream that our circular model will become the norm across the textile industry. Every garment we produce is recycled into a new one - zero waste, no loss of valuable resources.
If, in 25 years, circular fashion is no longer groundbreaking but standard practice, I’ll know we’ve made a real impact.”
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My personal advice to companies struggling to prioritize CSR ...
“Do it from the heart! Don’t overcomplicate things. You don’t need mountains of data or difficult jargon to get started; you already know where the biggest issues in your supply chain are.
Take it step by step. And don’t be afraid to invest. Profit isn’t only financial, there’s also joy, fulfillment, and purpose. And those are priceless.”
ABOUT
LEADERS OF PROGRESS
Time to spotlight the change makers behind our participating companies in the Netherlands: the Leaders of Progress. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire bold leadership and spark meaningful change.
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