Rosie the Riveter

Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon who symbolized the women who supported the US war effort during WWII by taking jobs in factories, often in those producing munitions and war supplies, after many male workers left for the war. The term "Rosie the Riveter" was first used in a 1942 song of the same name that portrays Rosie as a tireless assembly line worker. In a modern context, Rosie the Riveter is often used as a symbol of feminism and women's economic self-sufficiency. For a selection of stories about living during wartime, visit our section on War/Conflict. To inspire the young builder in your life, visit our selection of girl-empowering Building Toys