Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Why we are thankful for girl power

by Debbie

I have been interested to read comments around the introduction of the new Equality Act which came into force this month. Some people said that certain aspects of the act, like Third Party Harassment, mean the end of the office joke – others have welcomed it as a vital piece of legislation.

I’ve grown up with equality laws in place and find it hard to believe that there was ever a time when it was OK to discriminate against people because of their race or gender.

That’s why I would recommend the film Made in Dagenham. It is not only a very enjoyable piece of entertainment but also a cleverly crafted piece of social history which all women under the age of 40 should watch.

In the film, we see how women worked in poor conditions for long hours and for little pay at the Ford Dagenham assembly plant. When their work was reclassified as unskilled they decided enough was enough. They laid down their tools and used common sense and humour to take on not just their employers - but ultimately the government - to get what they so rightly deserved.  This action led to the first ever Equal Pay Act.

These  determined women of  the 1960s have in my mind now joined  those determined women of the 1900s who successfully campaigned to change the law and make a real difference to the lives of millions of us. The name Rita O’Grady who was the catalyst for the 1968 Ford strike - should perhaps join the name Emmeline Pankhurst. Thanks girls!

* Photo courtesy of Andy Newson / Free Digital Photos

Posted at 1:21pm on 8^th October 2010