Clarence F. Underwood (1871-1928),
Back Our Girls over There United War Work Campaign, 1918, poster, 28 1/8 x 21 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, gift of Phillip M. Flammer.
This Thursday, March 8, is International Women’s Day—a day honoring the social, cultural, political, and economic contributions of women throughout the world. Support for women’s recognition galvanized in America and Europe in the 1910s, as women became more integral to the workforce. This World War I-era poster celebrates the heroic role of women on the European battlefront. A skillful young woman commands the telephone switchboard, providing vital benefit to the swarm of weary troops depicted behind her. Women’s efforts in supporting the war continued to break down gender barriers and pave the way for greater opportunities for women.