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WWII opened doors for women
Monday, March 06, 2000
From 1941 through 1945, World War II created hardships for many people, but it did create opportunities for women that previously were not available.
Since most men were overseas fighting in the war, there was a great void of workers in factories to supply the war effort. This void was filled by women.
Pittsburgh, with its giant steel industry, became a hub of wartime production, and many factories were contracted by the government to change their products to wartime materials. One such company was the H.J. Heinz Co.
The H.J. Heinz Co., based on the North Side, had the carpentry ability to produce glider planes that would carry supplies to the soldiers. The women who were called upon to build these planes had no formal industrial training, so they were sent to school and trained in these skills.
Housewives, mothers, sisters and aunts of all races gladly went to work for their country. For many, it was the only way of helping with the war effort.
This new wave of women workers led to the now-famous government advertisements of "Rosie the Riveter" that became the icon of these factory women. For many of them, it was the first job they had. The opportunity to be in a trade school for free was amazing.
Despite their willingness to work, though, the workers had to meet strict requirements, since most were under government contract.
In 1945, victory was declared over Germany and Japan, and things slowly returned to normal. We owe much to the "Rosie Riveters," who kept our troops going throughout the war.
-- By Chad Parks, History Center intern
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