Many women viewed mill work as a pathway to urbanization and modernity, lured by the prospect of leaving behind the drudgery of farm labor for the excitement and opportunities afforded by industrial centers.
Working Conditions in Textile Mills: Despite the allure of employment, working conditions in textile mills are harsh and demanding. Women toiled for long hours, often twelve to fourteen hours a day, six days a week, in crowded and poorly ventilated factories. The monotonous and repetitive nature of the work, coupled with the deafening noise of machinery, took a toll on their physical and mental well-being. Moreover, safety regulations are virtually nonexistent, leading to frequent accidents and injuries on the job.
Women also faced exploitation at the hands of mill owners and supervisors. Wages were often low, and workers were subjected to arbitrary fines and deductions from their paychecks for minor infractions. The hierarchical structure of the mills reinforced gender inequalities, with women occupying the lowest rungs of the labor hierarchy and facing discrimination and harassment from male