As more and more men were sent overseas during World War II, American women stepped up to fill vacated positions in factories and other male dominated fields. In the factories women helped build aircraft, ships, and munitions used in the war effort, a marked contrast to the work women had been doing previously.

The fictional character “Rosie the Riveter” was originally introduced in a song, only much later coming to be associated with the classic poster we know today. The poster was part of an ad campaign to encourage women to enter the workforce, a tough ask to those who were already managing a household without their partner. Despite the difficulties, U.S. women answered the call. By 1945, nearly one out of four married women were working in some capacity. 

Rosie continues to be an inspiration to this day. Rosie the Riveter Organizing echoes her can do attitude and belief that women are capable of amazing things.

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