It can also shift power relations between women and men, including at household level, and can improve women’s well-being, negotiating power and overall status. The industry plays a vital role in earning foreign exchange. The share of garments in total merchandise exports rose from a mere 6% in 1995 to 76% in 2005, earning USD 2.2 billion. The impact on income from this sector goes far beyond the workers employed in this sector and it is estimated that at least one million people benefit through direct and indirect employment and income, including remittances.