Eromidayo Olayiwola (Harmony)

Prof. Hollis Glaser

GWS 100-1300

Discussion 8

According to Bell Hook, several great women fought for inclusiveness and equality, which led to different variances in the feminist movement and these have paved way for the fundamental right of all individuals to work in an environment free of harassment, discrimination, and oppression. Adding that, feminism must put the needs of the most marginalized people first. She also argued that sexism, racism, and other forms of oppression all contribute to the everyday experiences of economic instability and gender-based violence for women. In 1923 The National Woman’s Party first recommended the Equal Rights Amendment to end discrimination based on gender and Alice Paul was the founder. This constitutional amendment is to improve women’s standard of living and ensure equal rights and protection.

            Given that labor rights are a human right and that they fight against workplace discrimination regardless of a person’s race, color, religion, sex, political opinion, nationality, or social origin, getting a job has become a gender issue due to the rise in gender inequality, and discrimination in hiring and pay, as well as the right to one’s own body. In addition, women continue to be underrepresented in the workforce and endure societal sexual exploitation and abuse. 146 women were killed in 18 minutes at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory’s upper floors on March 25, 1911, in a tragic incident. Women were employed in this factory, and they had to put in 11 to 12 hours a day without any breaks. Due to the owners’ locking of the fire escape exit doors, employees became trapped inside and committed suicide by jumping from the building instead of burning to death. The women’s rights movement, which included Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, and Ida B. Wells, among others, paved the way for gender justice, not having to be terminated from a job or subjected to discrimination because of gender.

Today’s community has improved because no one has been lynched for expressing their views, and you don’t have to be in the back to be recognized or attacked by the police, in contrast to the 1920s and 1930s when women were disenfranchised, unprotected, and there was no law to protect them in terms of equal opportunity. There is no doubt that all these historical issues contributed to where we are now and where we need to be in terms of an inclusive society where everyone is heard. The automatic sprinkler system was put in place as a result of the tragedy that occurred at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, where unions, religious groups, women’s groups, and community organizations demanded change. In the United States today, every newly built residence or building that rises above the “11-meter trigger height” has automatic sprinklers installed and fire exits opened as a result of the labor act, which results in a minimum wage loss and overtime pay.   The National Labor Relations Act of 1935, the United Auto Workers, the United Association, and many others are examples of different unions that exist in the United States today and represent the interests of the workers who make up their membership.