March 29, 2024 - RICHMOND, CA—On Thursday, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA08) joined the Rosie the Riveter Trust and U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau in honoring the untold stories of women who contributed to the American war effort during World War II. This event follows Garamendi’s introduction of the bipartisan “Honoring Our Rosies” legislative package to honor the millions of women who supported the Home Front in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Rosie the Riveter Trust announced the official launch of this year's Rosie the Riveter Certification Awards, and the U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau shared highlights from their resource guide, Tools for Building an Equitable Infrastructure Workforce: Gender Equity Strategies as a Model.
"It was an honor to join Rosie the Riveter Trust and the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park to celebrate the millions of women who selflessly supported the wartime effort during World War II,” said Garamendi. “I am proud that our community is home to the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond, where Rosies helped produce more than 700 vessels during World War II. These dedicated women made countless contributions to their country while enduring gender and racial discrimination and harassment.”
“Our Rosies are a testament to women’s empowerment and an inspiration to future generations of women and girls,” Garamendi continued. “Today, we must continue to expand opportunities for women in trades and industry and address the challenges that continue to persist for women in the workforce.”
“Our ‘Tools for Building an Equitable Infrastructure Workforce: Gender Equity Strategies as a Model,’ provides a roadmap with guidance and best practices for recruiting and retaining women in construction, manufacturing, and clean energy jobs. As we strive to honor the legacy of Rosie the Riveter, the Women’s Bureau also celebrates the women who are working today to build a better and stronger America through the their contributions to the trades, and we work tirelessly on their behalf to advance gender equity in the workforce,” said Kelly Jenkins-Pultz, Western Regional Administrator, Women’s Bureau.
"In commemorating the legacy of Rosie the Riveters, we are reaffirming our commitment to advancing gender equity in the workforce. Rosie the Riveter Trust stands proud working to advocate for a future where opportunities for women continue to expand and barriers diminish," said Sarah Pritchard, Executive Director, Rosie the Riveter Trust.
Between 1940 and 1945, the percentage of women in the workforce jumped from 27% to nearly 37%, and by the end of the war, nearly one out of every four married women worked outside the home. As riveters, welders, and other laborers, this diverse women workforce played an integral part in meeting the ever-growing demand for war materials in factories, shipyards, and farms, as well as for support services in schools and hospitals.
On April 10, 2024, Congress will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Rosie the Riveter in honor of every woman who supported America’s war efforts during World War II.
Source: Representative John Garamendi
