Reflections from the Final Group of Real-Life Rosie the Riveters: Examining the Transformative Effects of Women’s Empowerment During War Efforts
During World War II, women played a vital role in supporting the war effort while American men were on the frontlines. They took on jobs in factories, building planes and other essential supplies. These women became known as “Rosie the Riveters,” and their contributions have recently been recognized by the United States Congress.
Lila Tomek, one of the last surviving Rosies at 101 years old, remembers her time working at the Glenn L. Martin Bomber Plant in Nebraska. She was one of the first 50 women to work there, earning a mere 60 cents an hour for her labor. Tomek worked long hours, sometimes up to 14 hours a day, seven days a week. She reflects on the experience, saying, “I figured, ‘If they can go, I’m going too.’ But they put an end to that.” Despite the lack of acknowledgement when the war ended, Tomek was surprised and grateful to be recognized decades later.
Twenty-seven women, ranging in age from their late 80s to 106, were awarded congressional gold medals in a ceremony held in Washington, DC. Mae Krier, 98, accepted the medal on behalf of her fellow Rosies. The medals were given in honor of the estimated 20 million women who worked to support the country during the war. The ceremony was a highlight for many of these women, including Sylvia Tanis, now 99, who remembers Henry Ford himself visiting the Detroit Ford factory where she worked and thanking the women for their hard work.
The impact of working during the war was transformative for many women. They gained independence, confidence, and financial stability. After the war, Tomek married, had children, and pursued a career in the insurance industry. Similarly, Susan King used her earnings to fund a master’s degree in education and became a science teacher in Baltimore public schools. The war effort opened doors for these women, proving that they were capable of doing any job and providing for themselves.
The Rosies’ contributions were not limited to their labor in factories. Dolores Leonard, now 88, recalls her time as a 7-year-old in Iowa, searching for milkweed pods to create life preservers and parachutes for the troops. She made a dime for every 15-pound bag of milkweed and donated her earnings back to the war effort. Leonard’s daughter, Lisa Simpson, accompanied her mother to the medal ceremony and reflects on the loss of patriotism in the younger generation. She believes that today’s young adults are less likely to band together and demonstrate the same level of pride and dedication as the Rosies did during the war.
The recent recognition of these real-life Rosie the Riveters serves as a reminder of the importance of women’s empowerment during times of war. Their contributions were essential in keeping the country afloat and supporting the troops. The ceremony in Washington, DC was a fitting tribute to these inspiring women and their enduring legacy. As we reflect on their stories, it is important to remember the transformative effects of women’s empowerment and the impact it can have on society as a whole.
