Women, Equal Rights and the Brits

by Chrysa Smith

Having been born in the United States in 1960, I was ‘crossing over’ to a time of unequalled civil rights movements. Too young to be aware or care, I realize now just how lucky (I think) it was to be born at a time when women would eventually have more choices, options, acknowledgement for their work.

We’ve come a long way indeed, although throughout the world, still have a heck of a long way to go.

This was brought to mind yesterday, while watching Made in Dagenham, a jewel of an arts film from the BBC and UK Film Council. Set in 1968, the movie chronicles the true story of a group of female machinists(sewing seat covers) at a Ford plant in Dagenham, England. As counterparts to their male machinist union members, the women received about 20 cents on every male dollar. Thanks to the encouragement of union rep and sympathizer (whose mother struggled to support her family on meager wages), one woman bravely organized and led her band of female seamstresses and their fight for equal pay to Ford’s top management levels and even the Prime Minister’s Office.

While some of the names and locations have been changed for theatrical purposes, the fight for fairness is quite ‘right on’ and led to the Equal Pay Act in England in 1970. (In the US, the Equal Pay Act was passed in 1963, followed by the Civil Rights Act a year later) Needless to say, this was enhanced by another woman with a bit more influence; Secretary of State Barbara Castle, who struggled to balance pressures from a large employer (Ford Motor Company), the political repercussions of interfering with Ford’s profits and her own conscience.

The undertones hit familiar chords

with all women: balancing work and family, making ends meet, taking on a more acknowledged role than a husband, the laws of unintended consequences, following your beliefs, facing an unknown future. But it did it with a light heart and some humor–most enjoyable to watch.

Check out the trailer below, starring Sally Hawkins, Miranda Richardson and Bob Hoskins. The film, released in 2010, is available through Blockbuster Video. http://www.blockbuster.com/browse/catalog/movieDetails/490112

For a peek at the highlights: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/sony/madeindagenham/

Mary Fran Bontempo2018-10-30T09:56:24-04:00February 23rd, 2011|0 Comments

About the Author: Mary Fran Bontempo

MARY FRAN BONTEMPO is a speaker, author and humorist who teaches audiences to control their most powerful influence: Self-Talk. Author of The Woman’s Book of Dirty Words, and Not Ready for Granny Panties, Mary Fran proves small changes in self-talk yield big life changes, allowing individuals to redefine their lives both professionally and personally in a rapidly changing world. A Huffington Post and Thrive Global contributor, and regular columnist for Women’s Voices Magazine and Best Kept Self, Mary Fran inspires and motivates readers and listeners to tame the self-talk beast, leading them to personal and professional renewal and success. After thirty years’ experience as owner of a full-service recruiting firm, and finding herself in the middle of a perfect life storm—turning 50, a crashing economy, and most devastating, a son with serious addiction issues—Mary Fran created the blog, Not Ready for Granny Panties, authoring two books in the series and developing a life-affirming brand full of practical wisdom and wit. A frequent media guest and speaker, audiences delight in her empowering and entertaining message.