The champion of “working moms” sources her clothing line from factories where female workers earn insufficient wages to support their families. Ivanka Trump, who recently released a book titled “Women Who Work,” has her clothing and shoe line manufactured in overseas factories that fail to provide fair compensation for the labor of women, leaving them unable to live with their children.
A recent investigation by The Observer revealed insights from several workers at a factory in Subang, Indonesia, where Ivanka Trump’s products are made. The workers report receiving one of the lowest minimum wages in Asia, alongside unrealistic production quotas and irregular overtime pay. Ivanka’s advocacy for working women seems hollow when juxtaposed with the realities faced by those laboring in her supply chain.
Some might argue that such practices are common among American brands. However, Ivanka’s father campaigned on a promise to revitalize American jobs, and she presents herself as a supporter of working women. “The harder you work, the luckier you get,” she asserts, yet the narratives from her factory workers suggest a disconnect between her privileged perspective and their harsh realities.
One worker, named Sarah, described her life at the PT Buma Apparel factory in Subang. She and her husband are burdened with debt and live in a cramped boarding house for $30 a month, adorned with pictures of their children, who live with their grandmother hours away. Sarah earns the legal minimum wage of around $173 per month, one of the lowest in the country.
When Sarah learned about the themes of Ivanka’s new book, she couldn’t help but laugh, stating, “Her idea of work-life balance would be if I could see my kids more than once a month.” The irony is palpable as Ivanka professes her commitment to empowering women while benefiting from an exploitation of female labor.
With around 2,759 employees at Buma, about three-quarters are women, many of whom are mothers who dedicate their earnings to their families yet cannot afford to live with them. Carry Somers, founder of the non-profit Fashion Revolution, noted, “Ivanka Trump claims to be the ultimate destination for Women Who Work, but this clearly doesn’t extend to the women who work for her in factories around the world.” Ivanka’s pursuit of profit seems to overshadow her supposed commitment to women’s empowerment.
As we reflect on these issues, it becomes evident that the disparities in the garment industry raise questions about the true definition of being a “working woman.” For more insights about family planning and options available, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy at womenshealth.gov. If you’re interested in home insemination, you can explore options like the at-home intracevical insemination syringe kit at Make a Mom. Additionally, you can learn more about the topic in this post on home insemination kit.
In summary, the disparity between Ivanka Trump’s advocacy for working women and the realities faced by those in her supply chain highlights a troubling contradiction. While she presents herself as a champion for working mothers, the conditions endured by her factory workers speak volumes about the true cost of her brand.