Women’s History and HR

In an interview last week, we were asked if there are any places where women’s history might intersect with HR, and if there are any women who helped shape the HR profession.

One of the first women we have to acknowledge is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her work for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. She was an advocate for gender equality. Not only was this a landmark piece of legislation—outlawing discrimination in employment, along with other areas—it significantly shaped the future of the HR profession. 

Prior to that time, HR, or personnel as it was called then, was primarily an administrative function. When workplace discrimination became a part of HR’s responsibilities—requiring new policies and practices—it began HR’s evolution into a strategic function.

Another important female figure was Mary Harris (Mother) Jones, who was an advocate of the American labor movement and an organizer of the United Mine Workers. The HR profession can trace its roots to the Industrial Revolution, the labor movement in the early 20th century, and the labor laws concerning unionization. 

We mention Mother Jones in the chapter “Employee and Labor Relations.”

Speaking of movements, we introduced the new chapter “Workplace Harassment” in the latest edition of The Big Book of HR with The Silence Breakers, who launched the #MeToo movement.

Recognized as Time Magazine’s 2017 Person of the Year, their voices opened the floodgates for other women who found their voices and came forward with their stories of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

“Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” is another new chapter, and what better way to introduce it than to detail the dimensions of diversity that describe Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently made history for women?  

She is mixed-race, of immigrant heritage with parents from different countries and cultures, has brown skin, was raised by a single mom in California, is a stepmom herself, and grew up in a home that accommodated both Christian and Hindu religious practices.  These are just some of the multifaceted aspects of her life, her intersectional identity, and her dimensions of diversity.

Then there are unsung heroes, or sheroes as Maya Angelou said. 

While researching the book, we came across a story about a young woman passing President Franklin Roosevelt a note during a campaign rally. It was a plea about wages, explaining how wages were cut in the sewing factory where she worked. We opened our chapter “The Legal Landscape of Compensation,” with this story, noting how FDR commented “Something has to be done about the elimination of child labor and long hours and starvation wages.” Hence, The Fair Labor Standards Act.

We can’t mention factories without acknowledging the women who perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist Company factory fire in 1911, which introduced the chapter “Risk Management.” A lack of sprinkler systems, padlocked stairwells, and inadequate fire escapes all contributed to the deaths of approximately 150 people. The company’s owners were acquitted of manslaughter because there were no laws setting workplace safety standards in 1911.

If HR is a women’s profession, it has much to do with the influence and courageous actions of these women. Take the opportunity this month to learn more about them and others.