Women have always been present in the labour movement, as workers themselves, and as wives and widows of union men. The wives and widows of union men have been instrumental in supporting the labour movement, and regarded with respect by the movement. The wives and families of male workers are noted for teaching and upholding labour song tradition inside the home as a way to keep spirits up during labour disputes. Women have also written several labour songs, including the popular “Which Side Are You On” which was written by an unnamed wife of a striking miner in the 1930s after she and her family were targeted by the local sheriff for their strike activities.