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Women in Industry: WWII and Rosie Riveter


The work of women was pivotal to the success of America in the war, “Women in uniform took office and clerical jobs in the armed forces in order to free men to fight. They also drove trucks, repaired airplanes, worked as laboratory technicians, rigged parachutes, served as radio operators, analyzed photographs, flew military aircraft across the country, test-flew newly repaired planes, and even trained anti-aircraft artillery gunners by acting as flying targets. Some women served near the front lines in the Army Nurse Corps, where 16 were killed as a result of direct enemy fire. Sixty-eight American service women were captured as POWs in the Philippines. More than 1,600 nurses were decorated for bravery under fire and meritorious service, and 565 WACs in the Pacific Theater won combat decorations. Nurses were in Normandy on D-plus-four” (NationalWW2Museum.org). Despite their outstanding work, women were forced to return home to care for their families, and relinquish their jobs to men who returned from battle. Sadly, women are still expected to step aside in order a to support the professional advancement of men. Whether it’s giving up her career to be a stay-at-home mom so her husband can work, or a co-worker allowing her male colleague to take credit for her idea that earns him a promotion, women’s aspirations are constantly put on the back burner. After  years of fighting for equity in the workplace, and at home, “The time is long overdue to encourage more women to dream the possible dream and encourage more men to support women in the workforce and in the home” (Sandberg, pg. 11).

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