Throughout our history, war has been one of the most effective vehicles for the empowerment of women. From the American Revolution to World War II, wartime shortages caused society to reconsider the distinctions between "men's work" and "women's work." When confronted with the choice of abandoning traditional work roles between the sexes, America opted for women to join the workforce. Women worked in shipyards, factories, and hospitals to help their country in the war effort. "Women's work" paved the way for significant changes, including larger political roles, greater social freedom, and permanent shifts in the composition of the peacetime labor.

As First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt was a powerful advocate for civil rights. In more recent times, courage, determination, and vision helped Barbara Jordan, Bella Abzug, Millicent Fenwick, and Patricia Schroeder win election to the House of Representatives and gain national attention for their work.

In 1972, Brooklyn Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm ran for President in the Democratic primaries. Chisholm was the first African American woman to do so. When Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court in 1981, she attained heights once thought unreachable.

According to Bonni Tischler, the first female Assistant Commissioner, Office of Investigations and now Field Operations, "Women need to have courage in order to have vision." Law enforcement traditionally has been male-dominated. It was a daunting decision to accept a position managing the largest program within Customs, with 12,000 employees and an operating budget of about $1 billion. Tischler rose to the challenge, and the vision part came easily. She formulated a three-prong agenda: expanding risk management usage to enforcement areas, bringing uniformity to policies and procedures, and establishing strong oversight in order to accomplish the Office of Field Operations' goals. Tischler is a long time advocate and supporter of women and continues to mentor others in their professions.

Our history is an effective predictor of the future. With determination, courage, and vision, women will continue to make historical strides in our nation. Emily Seymour-Redd, a Program Analyst in the Office of International Affairs, sums it up best: "Women of the past had drive and determination. Today's women have the benefit of that example and must possess vision, reflection, and self-introspection in defining their goals and aspirations."

During Women's History Month, let us take an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous accomplishments of all women.

If you're in D.C. early May, be sure to stop by the Mall

Not the shopping mall, THE Mall. Since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week, is a time set aside to inform Americans about the broad variety of services provided by government. Exhibits from virtually all federal agencies will be displayed on the Mall from May 10-13. Customs participates every year and has the distinction of being the largest civilian exhibitor. If you are in Washington, D.C. during this time, be sure to drop by the Customs exhibits to say hello!