Rosie the Riveter's Battle Isn't Over

Rosie the Riveter

    For decades, America has been told that women entering the workforce would level the playing field and reduce gender based barriers. Statistically, it has happened. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women's workforce participation has increased by 24.8% from 1948 to 2024, even as men’s participation has declined. While progress has been made, women in blue collar fields still face structural and cultural barriers that limit their opportunities.

    The idea that “women belong in the home” is a sentiment that once defined American women’s lives. Today, some women genuinely prefer that role, and there is nothing wrong with choosing family first. For many others, work outside the home is a necessity and a point to pride. In industries such as construction, manufacturing, and landscaping, many women say the opportunity to prove themselves is empowering.

    Women have been part of the country’s backbone since the beginning. In Colonial America, they ran inns, taught children, weaved, printed, and healed, even though they lacked property rights and formal education. During the Revolutionary era, women managed farms, made clothes for soldiers, produced gunpowder, and some even fought disguised as men. In Connie Kopelov’s research, she states, “the myth is discarded by employers when it suits them to hire women”. In this part of her research, she is referring to America's history of recruiting women into industrial jobs during wartime, only to push them back home when the war ended. America’s history is never complete without acknowledging women’s contributions.

    During the 20th century, women have proved themselves throughout World War II. The iconic figure of Rosie the Riveter symbolized the millions of women who stepped into the factories, shipyards, and manufacturing plants to keep the nation’s industries running. These women built aircraft, welded ships, operated heavy machinery, and mastered trades people thought only men could do. Their success shattered myths about women’s physical and technical abilities. Women were yet again told to return to the home when the war ended. The rise and fall of the Rosie the Riveter era reveals how women are welcomed into the blue collar fields when the nation needs them.

    Modern day blue collar work still comes with its challenges. Some argue that women are not built for certain jobs, but the data paints a different picture. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports in 2009, men accounted for over 4,000 fatal workplace injuries, compared to 319 among women. This reminds us that caution, technique, and attention to detail matter just as much as strength. Women also bring precision, communication skills, and safety awareness to the workforce. However, women have reported they are denied the work opportunity before they can demonstrate their abilities. A survey shows that supervisors sometimes avoid assigning women physically demanding jobs. This is not because women can’t do the job, but because assumptions and outdated attitudes get in the way.

    Harassment is another issue that persists in some male-dominated fields. Research by Anwar and Burfat found that hostile behavior in the workplace can create unsafe and stressful environments, pushing some women to leave their jobs. They do this not from the lack of ability but from the lack of respect. Regulations exist but enforcement and awareness vary widely. Many workers don’t even know their company has anti-harassment or inclusion policies. Without accountability, the rules mean very little.

    Critics of gender-inequality claims argue that today's workforce is more regulated and inclusive as ever. To a degree, that’s true. Legally, women now have more protections and opportunities than previous generations. Many prefer white collar fields such as education, healthcare, or administrative work. But preference doesn’t tell the whole story. Social pressure, limited exposure to the trades, and a lack of hands-on opportunity discourage women from entering blue-collar fields.

    However, the landscape is changing. America’s trades face a worker shortage, with industry projections from DAVRON showing a potential loss of 2 million laborers by 2030. This shortage is forcing employers to rethink old hiring habits. Companies that once overlooked women are now hiring them because the economy demands it. Diversity is becoming a word of meaning and a business necessity.

    There are barriers for young girls and women to ever know their capabilities in the blue collar field. Many girls are discouraged in middle and high school due to gender inequality which limits their exposure to skills such as welding, carpentry, and mechanics. There is also a lack of training resources for women in the workforce. Apprenticeship programs have been known to be male-dominated which leaves women with little access to people who will train them. These barriers shape women’s career paths before they even reach the workforce.

    Gender inequality isn’t because of women’s capability. It’s because of cultural attitudes that haven’t caught up to modern economic reality. Blue collar industries cannot afford to overlook half the population. Therefore, industries must be willing to judge workers on skill, performance, and work ethic, rather than assumptions based on gender.  Women have contributed to this country’s workforce for centuries. They have shown resilience, competence, and leadership. Expanding mentorship programs, improvising safety training, and enforcing fair hiring practices can ensure women’s entry in blue collar jobs. Women have always been capable. The real challenge is whether society will allow blue collar industries to evolve.