It was a day to remember as Barking and Dagenham paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Dagenham Ford Sewing Machinists strike.
The strike by 187 women workers back in 1968 was one of the major triggers that paved the way for the introduction of the Equal Pay Act of 1970 that made it illegal to pay men and women differently for the same job.
Barking and Dagenham Council marked the event in a special way to celebrate those who have done so much to advance women’s rights by inviting a number of guests including girls from two local schools to the Civic Centre in Dagenham.
A number who were involved in the strikes including Dora Challingsworth, Pam Brown and Geraldine Wiseman gave a short testimony at the event, while women who were involved in the Halewood Motor Plant strike in Liverpool also came down to mark the special occasion.
Barking and Dagenham Council Leader, Councillor Darren Rodwell paid tribute to the workers who had played such a significant role in changing the course of history, while Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region also made an emotional speech.
I was honoured to be part of such a memorable day and delighted that women who took part in the strike were able to share their stories
The East End Women’s Museum also played a major role in the day’s proceedings and their co-founder Sarah Jackson made a special presentation on ‘Bread money, not pin money: the struggle for equal pay’.
Councillor Rodwell said: “I was honoured to be part of such a memorable day and delighted that women who took part in the strike were able to share their stories and ensure they are heard by a new generation.
“We should never underestimate the courage of these women. Fighting for equal pay in 1968 was not a popular cause. Not only were they taking on Fords, but they took on the Government, some members of their union, and men in their workplace who didn’t agree with their action.
“We must do all we can to promote gender equality: that’s why six out of ten members in my Cabinet are women, it’s why we have Women’s Empowerment Month and it’s why this year we marked 100 years of women’s suffrage with HerStory, a year-long programme to promote women.
“And that is also why we are marking this important anniversary and making sure the stories of the women from 50 years ago continue to be heard.”