LANSING - “We can do it.”
That phrase, used by the ficticious Rosie the Riveter during World War II to inspire women to take over jobs that had been vacated by men who were filling the role of soldiers, also touched Bonnie Krystoff nearly 60 years later.
The teacher and photographer from Auburn Hills, Mich., created “A-B-C’s of Working Women: Women in Non-Traditional Work,” a traveling photography exhibit of women working in every job from archeologist to zoo biologist to help prove to the younger generation of girls they can do anything they want.
“I want to draw (girls) into this because they’re the ones we want to reach,” Krystoff said. “We all know some wonderful, accomplished women, but they don’t have the recognition they deserve.”
The exhibit is appearing at the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame, 213 W. Main St., in Lansing, through Feb. 28. Entrance to the exhibit is $2.50 for adults, $2 for seniors and $1 for students.
Due to the success the project has seen since its opening four years ago, Krystoff has begun hosting a cable television show, “All About Women,” to help encourage young women to explore their options. She also hopes to turn the “A-B-C’s” exhibit into a book.
“Once I got started and told people about the project, it just grew beautifully,” she said. “Of course it’s been turned down by a lot of very nice publishers, but I’m still working on the text. This one is a continuing project and it’s branching off.”
The exhibit, which has been touring for four years, will be on loan to Oakland County’s school district next.
“We hope in this way young women will have some role models,” historical center director Gladys Beckwith said. “And young men, of course, will have a chance to learn more about women. It’s part of our mission - an important part of our mission.”
Lisa Fine, an associate professor of history for the department of women’s studies, said the job market has opened up to women in the last 30 years, although some fields remain male-dominated.
“There are of course certain professions like engineering and other ones that are considered more scientific and mathematic,” she said. “There are variable rates for women to enter into success in some of these fields.
“There are some barriers that still exist, but there are fewer barriers that exist.”
Fine said exhibits like Krystoff’s are a good way to encourage young women to explore every field of work before settling into a job they’re not happy with.
“It is very important for young girls to be told they have the fullest range of opportunities and prospects as boys,” Fine said. “It’s not wrong for boys to want to be nurses or teachers, either.
“Now, it’s simply breaking down psychological barriers. One of the simplest ways to is to see women doing it.”
