The 'We Can Do It!' poster, instantly recognizable and often misattributed to Rosie the Riveter, boasts a surprisingly complex history. Far from being a widespread wartime recruitment tool, it was actually commissioned by Westinghouse Electric in 1943 as an internal motivational tool for its factory workers, primarily women, producing helmet liners. J. Howard Miller created the image, featuring Geraldine Hoff Doyle as the initial inspiration. However, Doyle was not actually a riveter.
For decades, the poster remained relatively obscure. It wasn't until the 1980s that it resurfaced and was adopted as a symbol of female empowerment, resilience, and feminist ideals. Its message of strength and capability resonated with a new generation, transforming it from a simple factory poster into a global icon. Today, 'We Can Do It!' transcends its original purpose, representing the power and potential within us all, regardless of gender.
