In an ironic twist, the advocate for “working moms,” Ivanka Trump, sources clothing and footwear for her brand from overseas factories that fail to pay their female workers enough to live with their own children. Recently published, her book titled Women Who Work contrasts sharply with the realities faced by those creating her apparel.
A recent investigation by The Guardian revealed troubling conditions at a factory in Subang, Indonesia, where many of Ivanka Trump’s products are manufactured. Workers reported receiving one of the lowest minimum wages in Asia, coupled with unrealistic production quotas and inconsistent overtime pay.
Some may shrug this off as standard practice among American companies, but Ivanka has positioned herself as a proponent of working women while her father campaigned on revitalizing American jobs. “The harder you work, the luckier you get,” Ivanka often states, yet the experiences shared by her factory workers suggest a different narrative. It seems she views these laborers as mere cogs in a machine designed to boost her profits, rather than individuals deserving of fair treatment.
Take the story of a worker named Maya, who toils at PT Buma Apparel Industry in Subang. Like many others, she and her husband are drowning in debt despite their efforts. They live in a cramped boarding house for $30 a month, adorned with photos of their children who reside with their grandmother hours away. Maya’s legal minimum wage is approximately $173 a month—one of the lowest in Indonesia. The couple can only afford to see their kids once a month, if gasoline permits.
Maya reacted with laughter upon hearing about Ivanka’s new book focused on women in the workplace. “Her idea of work-life balance,” she remarked, “would be if I could see my children more than once a month.”
While Ivanka champions the importance of family, stating, “I want my children to see me first every morning,” the stark contrast in realities is hard to ignore. The workforce at Buma includes around 2,759 individuals, with about three-quarters being women, many of whom are mothers who can barely make ends meet.
Carry Somers, the founder of the non-profit Fashion Revolution, pointed out this hypocrisy: “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.” It appears that Ivanka exploits cheap female labor while simultaneously branding herself an advocate for working women.
For those navigating the complexities of pregnancy and family life, resources such as Women’s Health provide valuable information. Additionally, if you’re exploring home insemination options, you might find this article helpful, as well as insights from Modern Family Blog.
In summary, the stark divide between Ivanka Trump’s rhetoric and the experiences of the women producing her clothing underscores a troubling reality in the fashion industry. While she promotes empowerment, many of her workers struggle to provide for their families, highlighting a significant gap in her advocacy.