The equal rights movement the labor rights movement came about for a change. As women, we need to fully understand what the movements are about and how we can equally help each other make change happen. Then there was Phyllis Schlafly, who opposed the ERA movement because she described ERA as “an attack on the rights of a wife.” Schlafly was conflicted because she believed the ERA movement would threaten traditional gender roles. She also thought the movement would promote abortion, same-sex marriage, and the possibility of women being drafted into the military. Schlafly to me seemed to be a woman stuck in her old way and what she believed only. There was no thought of possibly looking at this amendment as a benefit for other women that have yet to see a change. The movement was for the reason to change to see it for women that believed there was more than just being a housewife a choice. In the end, she still campaigns for Trump, which tells you a story.

The labor rights movement, which was more of a gender issue, was placed for women exploited by factory owners who took advantage of these women who came to the country not knowing any English. These women endured grueling hours of labor. On March 11th, 1911, a fire broke out in the triangle shirtwaist factory. The fire killed 146 people, the highest death rate at the workplace before 9/11. There were preventable measures, but the factory owners did not look after their workers. After the deaths, there were protests held on 5th avenue, with about 350,00 protesters asking for safer work environments. The factor owners were indicted for manslaughter but later declared not guilty. The fire helped change the American industrial workplace and supported labor unions’ growth, especially the “International Ladies Garment Worker’s Union.” The union helped install sprinklers in the workspaces and pushed state and national workplace safety forward. Even after all of this, my mother worked as a seamstress in NYC around 34th street. In the early 80s, there was a lot of factory work. With this came many employers ready to exploit all immigrant women who needed to work to support themselves in an unfamiliar country. My mother worked long hours and barely made 50cents per garment and not to mention she was pregnant with my older brother. Employers don’t care; they need work done quickly and efficiently. Long hours not break and no raise. I remember my mom telling me she was terrified to ask for a raise because of the fear of being terminated. Equal rights, labor rights, should have been addressed a long time ago, but America loves its cheap labor so they can see their highest income gross. It’s despicable if you ask me. Women should encourage women to help fight for what is right, but sadly there will always be someone that doesn’t understand the entire picture.