Double Two Celebrate Women During Women’s History Month

Women were essential to the start-up of Double Two

In April 1940, the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer announced new work opportunities for “200 women at [the] new Wakefield Factory ''. Isaak Donner had recently arrived in Wakefield, having left Vienna as a Jewish refugee and was setting up his clothing factory business which specialised in shirtmaking and the patented double collar shirt. One of the provisions of starting the business was that it must provide employment for women. As Britain currently fought in WW2, it was essential that women be put to work, and at this time, married women were being encouraged and welcomed to the workforce.

From the very beginning, women were employed on an equal basis to men, with four hourly wage grades according to age. At the time when men were being conscripted to fight in the Second World War, it was commonplace for women to be paid less by businesses due to their gender, despite replacing jobs at the same skill level as a man.

Double Two provided the women with the necessary training in the speciality of making the high-quality shirts, especially as it involved making a shirt which had a replaceable collar; an invention by Isaak Donnar. There was also career progression and promotions to supervisory rolls available for the women who wanted it.

Women took up Two-thirds of the Double Two’s warehouse workforce, and were recognised for their important roles and contributions in the success of the company. They were provided with great working conditions such as a good meal provided each day in the canteen, and a company doctor to ensure the women stayed in good health, especially during pregnancies. As well as career progression, exciting perks included a Christmas Dinner and drinks cooked and served by the male dominated management team, who also cleaned and washed up afterwards.

The women of Double Two are an important part of Wakefield History. Some women became very skilled at fundraising for the war effort, raising money for essential causes such as injured servicemen. The women’s generosity was astounding and impactful, with many often giving a large proportion of their hard-earned wage to support the servicemen.

Why do we celebrate Women’s History Month? 

Women’s History Month is a celebration of the often overlooked contributions to history by women in the United States and now, around the world. Women’s History Month originated from an organised weeklong school event in California in 1978, where hundreds of students presented essays about women’s contribution to history, society and culture. This led to a parade taking place in their city, Sonoma.

The celebration was successful in catching on with the surrounding communities, and in 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8th National Women’s History Week, stating “...the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” 

Fast forward 6 years, the event was successfully petitioned by the National Women’s History Project (NWHP) to become an entire month-long event from 1st March to 31st March, annually, and today is now celebrated around the world.

Image: Double Two Christmas Party 1947

5 interesting facts about Women’s History Month

1. Each year, Women’s History Month is given a theme

The theme for 2022 is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope”, as designated by the National Women’s History Alliance. This year's Women's History Month theme is inspired by the recent pandemic and intended as a tribute to the countless ways that women all over the world have contributed throughout, whether in the workplace, frontlines, or at home. 

2. March was selected to celebrate Women’s History Month partly due to the weather conditions

Originally, it was suggested that Women’s History Month should take place in August. However, it was quickly decided that March was better suited to celebrating the anniversary of women’s suffrage in the US because it provided better “marching weather”. Not only is August far too hot to be parading, but having WHM in March aligned perfectly with International Women’s Day.

3. International Women’s Day is celebrated 8th March 

Celebrated for the first time in 1911, International Women’s Day is recognised every year on 8th March globally, and is partly responsible for why Women’s History Month is in March. The United Nations have sponsored International Women’s Day since 1975, which is recognised as International Women’s Year.

International Women’s Day is a growing movement and is a day when women are celebrated and recognised for their achievements, regardless of any divisions. It’s not unusual in some countries to present women with gifts and flowers to demonstrate their appreciation and acknowledge their strengths. 

4. The official colour of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day is purple.

Purple signifies justice and dignity, and internationally is a colour for symbolising women. Therefore, many people wear the colour purple to celebrate International Women’s Day as a way to stand in solidarity and commemorate the day. 

This originated from the UK’s Women’s Social and Political Union in 1908, where the combination of purple, green and white was used to symbolise women’s equality, representing justice and dignity, hope and purity. However, white is no longer used as ‘purity’ is a controversial concept, and now the colour yellow is more commonly used to represent a ‘new dawn’ and therefore progressive contemporary feminism.

5. Every sitting U.S. president since 1995 has issued a proclamation for Women’s History Month

For more than 25 years, presidents in the US have issued an annual proclamation in honour of women in their countries history. This tradition was inspired by President Carter’s inaugural Women's History Week proclamation in 1980.

This year, President Biden’s Proclamation on Women’s History Month discussed how their government is working to advance gender, racial and LGBTQI+ equality and is being led by the most diverse and gender-balanced Cabinet in American history. This includes Kamala Harris, the first woman - and woman of colour - to serve as Vice President.

Image: Grey Animal Print Women’s Shirt (left), Black Irregular Stripe Women’s Shirt (right)

Double Two Womenswear

At Double Two, we are best known for our shirts and other mens products such as knitwear, Chino trousers and formal trousers, but we do have an equally stylish range of women’s clothing. From sophisticated and modern blouses that are perfect for the office, to casual tunics ideal for day’s out and weekend plans, there’s plenty of classy designs to choose from. Why not treat yourself or the lady in your life this Women’s History Month when you shop Double Two’s Womenswear?