U.S. Department of Labor Marks 100th Anniversary of Women’s Bureau

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Labor commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Bureau. This centennial celebration is a recognition of the only federal agency focused exclusively on working women.

“Over the past 100 years, the Women’s Bureau has played a central role in supporting women in the workforce,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “As our nation’s workers and employers confront a workplace that’s changing rapidly, the Women’s Bureau’s efforts continue to make a difference in the working lives of women across the country. I thank Director Laurie Todd-Smith and the staff at the Women’s Bureau for their service on behalf of America’s working women.”

“Today is a historic day for the Department of Labor and for the Women’s Bureau,” said Women’s Bureau Director Laurie Todd-Smith, Ph.D. “Since 1920, Women’s Bureau unyieldingly sought better working conditions, including the establishment of a 40 hour workweek, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and increased child care access for working women. Simply, the Women’s Bureau has advocated for policies that have improved the working and living conditions of millions of Americans.”

Due to prohibitions on public gatherings and social distancing measures at the Department of Labor, public events commemorating the anniversary will be delayed. However, the Bureau looks forward to commemorating the centennial at a later date. 

The Women’s Bureau will continue to collect testimonials on how the agency’s purpose and efforts have positively affected the lives and work of women and their families. These stories will be highlighted on the Women’s Bureau webpage and on social media with the hashtag #WB100. Share your story and learn more about the campaign, “Our Purpose. Your Work.”

The Women’s Bureau’s mission is to develop policies and standards that safeguard the interests of working women, to advocate for their equality and economic security, and to promote quality work environments. Public events celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Women’s Bureau will be announced once the federal government resumes normal operations.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.