World War II profoundly changed the role and status of women. As the military's need for manpower increased, so did industry's need for woman power. From 1940 to 1944 over 6 million women joined the workforce filling jobs that had been exclusively male. Despite initial concerns, by the end of World War II women had proved to be formidable, invaluable force in the War effort.  

The "WE CAN DO IT!" poster, created in 1943 by J. Howard Miller, encouraged women entering the workforce. 1942's "Rosie the Riveter", a popular home front song, became a nickname for women in the war workforce. These "Rosies" included Rose Bonavita, who drove a record 3,345 rivets into a torpedo bomber in 1943.

As men returned from WWII, most women left the factories. But the confidence, competence, and earning power they had experienced forever changed America's workplace. Over time, Rosie has become an icon symbolizing women's strength, determination and ability to do any job.