Celebrating Women’s History Month: Women and Labor Activism
As March marks National Women's History Month, it's an opportune time to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to the labor movement. From the dawn of industrialization to the present day, women have been instrumental in advocating for workers' rights, fair wages, and improved working conditions. Their resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to social and economic justice have left an enduring legacy within the labor movement, inspiring generations to come.
The Legacy of the Lowell Mill Girls
One of the earliest and most significant instances of women's involvement in the labor movement dates back to the 19th century with the courageous actions of the Lowell Mill Girls. These young women, predominantly from rural areas, worked in textile mills in Lowell, Massachusetts, enduring harsh conditions, meager wages, and 14-hour workdays. In the 1830’s and 1840’s they organized strikes and formed the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association to demand respect and equitable treatment in the workplace. Their activism laid the groundwork for future generations of women to advocate for their rights.
Trailblazers of the late 19th and 20th Centuries
1902 portrait of Mary G. Harris Jones, nicknamed "Mother Jones," a union organizer, community organizer, activist, school teacher and dressmaker. By photographer Bertha Howell, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women continued to play pivotal roles in various labor struggles. Trailblazers like Mary Harris "Mother" Jones and Rose Schneiderman fearlessly led strikes and advocated for the rights of miners, children, industrial workers, and garment workers. The establishment of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU) in the early 20th century, predominantly led by immigrant women, further underscored the significant contributions of women to the labor movement.
The mid-20th century witnessed a resurgence of women's activism in the labor movement, particularly during the civil rights era. Icons like Dolores Huerta, alongside Cesar Chavez, co-founded the United Farm Workers, organizing farmworkers and demanding better wages and working conditions while combatting discrimination and sexual harassment. Additionally, the founding of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) in 1974 provided a platform for women workers to address gender inequality within the labor movement itself.
Continuing Advocacy in Modern Times
Portrait of Ai-jen Poo, American labor activist and author, Executive Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and 2014 recipient of the MacArthur "Genius" Award. By photographer Othello Banaci.
In more recent decades, women have continued to champion workers' rights and gender equality in the workplace. Issues such as equal pay, paid family leave, and workplace flexibility have been at the forefront of their advocacy efforts. The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in 2017, shed light on the pervasive issue of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, sparking conversations about power dynamics and accountability.
Moreover, women of color have been instrumental in shaping the intersectional aspects of the labor movement, addressing issues of race, class, and gender discrimination. Leaders like Ai-jen Poo, Executive Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, have worked tirelessly to improve the working conditions and rights of domestic workers, who are predominantly women of color and immigrants.
Members of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU) marching in a Labor Day Parade with placards that read, "60 is the year to vote reaction out." By Kheel Center, Cornell University, via Flickr.
Celebrating Women’s Contributions
As we celebrate National Women's History Month, it's crucial to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to the labor movement. Their activism has shaped labor laws, influenced public policy, and inspired countless individuals to join the fight for social and economic justice. While progress has been made, challenges remain, and it's essential to continue amplifying women's voices and advancing their rights in the workplace and beyond.
By Emily Landis
Executive Director
