“Imagine a world of harsh labor” a young woman whispers. This is the Les dones del cànem Plaque. It stands as a silent testament to the women who toiled in the Cànem factory. This isn’t just any plaque. This is a window into a forgotten era of Barcelona’s history.
The Cànem factory officially known as Godò Hermanos y Cìa was more than just a workplace. It was a microcosm of society. It employed approximately 2000 people mostly women and children. Imagine the sounds the smells the sheer volume of humanity within those walls.
The women of Cànem worked long hours under grueling conditions. They were nicknamed “les xinxes” the bedbugs because the jute dust clung to their clothes giving off a distinctive smell. They had only a half hour for lunch. They would run to the market neighbors allowing their passage knowing their limited time. This plaque is their tribute.
Their pay was meager. Around 1926 a worker earned about 26 pesetas a week. This barely covered their basic needs. A veteran worker in 1950 made about 110 pesetas a week. That’s approximately 33 euros today factoring in inflation. Their struggle was immense. The work itself was dangerous. One day a machine caught a woman’s chest. Only quick action saved her life.
These women faced countless hardships. They endured dangerous working conditions. They fought for better wages. They participated in strikes. During a strike they’d prevent other workers from entering to make their protest stronger. This would result in lost wages. The factory owners Godò even built a Guardia Civil barracks to control any unrest.
The Cànem factory was a symbol of both industrial progress and social injustice. This plaque remembers the women who powered this industry. They were mothers wives daughters. They were the backbone of their families. Their stories are woven into the very fabric of Barcelona. It is a tribute to their strength their resilience their unsung contributions. This plaque ensures their legacy lives on. It honors those forgotten workers. Their story is not one of despair. It is one of resilience. It’s one of determination. Look at this plaque. Remember their names. Remember their stories.