An exhibit of 15 photos by Pulitzer Prize-winner Deanne Fitzmaurice, along with historic photographs of WWII-era “Rosie the Riveter” manufacturing workers and stories of “modern Rosies,” reveals the overlooked contributions of women working to build transportation, including trams, rail and buses. The modern Rosies work for global manufacturing companies that have U.S. factories.
“‘Women Can Build’ says it all: the powerful, beautiful women working in these factories can do anything they set their minds to,” said Madeline Janis, Director of the Jobs to Move America coalition. “We hope to inspire more young girls to work in heavy manufacturing, and to encourage the 16 major employers in transit equipment manufacturing to provide more good jobs and equal opportunity to women.” Currently women make just 74 cents for every dollar men make in the industry— mostly in clerical positions—and are overlooked for the desired middle-class building jobs.
The exhibit launches at transportation hub Union Station, with expected moves to D.C. and hopefully NYC after it closes June 19.
