1. Championing Labor Laws for Women and Children: Kelley played a pivotal role in advocating for and implementing stricter labor laws to protect women and children from hazardous working conditions and exploitative practices. Her efforts led to the passage of the Illinois Factory Act of 1893 and subsequent legislation that set limits on working hours, prohibited child labor, and established safety standards in workplaces.
2. The National Consumer's League: Kelley co-founded the National Consumers' League (NCL) in 1899, an organization that aimed to educate consumers about labor conditions and encourage ethical shopping practices. The NCL's "White Label" campaign pressured manufacturers to improve their labor standards and provided a platform for women to advocate for better working conditions.
3. Investigative Reporting: As the chief factory inspector for Illinois from 1893 to 1897, Kelley conducted thorough investigations into the deplorable working conditions in sweatshops and other industries. Her revealing reports exposed the harsh realities faced by women workers and contributed to public awareness of the need for labor reforms.
4. Women's Suffrage Movement: Kelley was a staunch supporter of women's suffrage and actively participated in the movement. She believed that giving women the right to vote was crucial for advancing their social and economic rights, as well as for reforming labor laws and social welfare policies.
5. Establishment of the National Child Labor Committee: In 1904, Kelley co-founded the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC) to combat the rampant child labor practices in the United States. The NCLC advocated for federal legislation to prohibit child labor and promoted public education campaigns to raise awareness of the issue.
6. Federal Legislation for Women and Children: Kelley's advocacy and research played a significant role in shaping federal legislation related to women and children's rights. Her work contributed to the passage of the Keating-Owen Act of 1916, which prohibited interstate commerce of goods produced by child labor, and the Maternity Protection Act of 1921, which provided federal funding for prenatal and maternity care for low-income women.
Florence Kelley's unwavering dedication to social justice and her tireless efforts to improve the lives of women and children left a profound impact on American society. Her legacy as a reformer, advocate, and change-maker continues to inspire future generations to fight for workers' rights, social welfare policies, and gender equality.