Historical story

What did women workers of the 1890s work for?

The women workers of the 1890s worked in a variety of industries and professions, but overall they were poorly paid and had few opportunities for advancement. Some women worked in factories and mills for as little as 10 cents an hour, while others found jobs as domestic servants, waitresses, and salesclerks. A few women were also employed in the suffrage movement and other social causes.

Some of the specific occupations that women workers held in the 1890s included:

- Factory workers: Women worked in a variety of factories, including textile mills, clothing factories, and food processing plants. They often worked long hours and in unsafe conditions for very low wages.

- Domestic servants: Many women worked as domestic servants in private homes, doing housework and caring for children. They often worked long hours without any days off and were not always paid overtime or given the opportunity for advancement.

- Waitresses: Waitresses worked in restaurants, cafes, and other food service establishments. They were expected to be quick, efficient, and courteous, and they often had to work late nights and weekends.

- Salesclerks: Salesclerks worked in stores, selling merchandise to customers. They had to be knowledgeable about the products they were selling and be able to provide good customer service.

- Suffragists: Some women worked for the suffrage movement, fighting for the right of women to vote. They held parades and rallies, and they lobbied politicians and policymakers.

Despite the challenges they faced, women workers of the 1890s made significant progress in terms of their rights and opportunities. They helped to establish the labor movement and the suffrage movement, and they laid the foundation for future generations of women workers.