An American activist that played a large role in the garment industry was Pauline Newman. Known as the "East Side Joan of Arc" she was a passionate woman that fought for the rights of others. From a young age she was a fighter, striving for an education with the odds stacked against her for being a Jewish woman. After getting involved in the Socialist Party she was able to lead in activism for woman's suffrage. In 1909, women left their sewing machines to stand strike. With the help of Newman's connections she was able to talk to wealthy and influential women about the issues of the work place. Gaining their sympathy, and having them stand together police brutality was cut down. Newman was one of the first to organize the International Ladies' Garment Worker's Union. After the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory burning she became even more invested in getting these workers unionized and making sure that their safety was a priority. Newman's work began to gain the respect of political figures, and working conditions began to improve. She also promoted health care, negotiated the minimum wage, safety codes, industrial hygiene, and restrictions in child labor. Later in her life she wrote and lectured to young women. Now Newman is hailed a feminist hero.
To me Pauline Newman was an exceptional woman. She saw that change was needed and made strides in getting it done. Her involvement with the garment industry started when she began working at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory at 11. Even at that age she was disturbed by the working conditions, and rightfully so. If she were alive today I think she would be just as passionate about sweatshops across the globe making our clothes. Newman would also be leading feminist rallies and trying her hardest to make a difference. That is something that is very empowering to me, inspiring me to want to speak up more about things that are wrong in our world today.
