Women's Bureau in America
The 1920s was also the time where women started to become more involved and protected by the federal government in the workforce. This was through the Women's Bureau in America that passed by the Department of Labor on June 5th, 1920. This promoted welfare of wage earning women, improved working conditions, an increase in efficiency and opportunities for women in the workforce. During this time period, women made up about 20% of all persons in the labor force though they were primarily concentrated in domestic and personal services, clerical occupations, and factory work.
What does this have to do with Mabel Walker Willebrandt?
Due to the Women's Bureau in America, women were permitted to take examinations in order to obtain positions in the federal government. In 1921, at the age of 32, Mabel Walker Willebrandt became the highest ranking woman in the federal government. She served under President Warren G. Harding as assistant attorney general. Willebrandt's legacy is embedded into American legal history as she broke barriers, completing what needed to be done during prohibition.
Harris & Ewing, Mrs. Mabel W. Willebrandt at desk, 01/01/1921, Library of Congress, 07/24/2025
click image for video
Enforcing Prohibition
Willebrandt was tasked to enforce prohibition. Though she initially didn't support this act, Willebrandt did what she was assigned to do, persistently carried out the law as she heavily enforced the Volstead Act. In 1927, Willebrandt argued before the supreme court that income from illegal activities should be subjected to income taxes. Therefore, big gangsters like Al Capone would be subjected to tax evasions which would then stop major bootlegging operations. Her reforms were so effective to the extent where prohibition divisions processed over 50,000 persecutions and even women were arrested. Eventually, through the repeal of Prohibition, Willebrandt was named "First Lady of the Law".
Reforms Towards the Federal Prisons
In addition to her efforts to repeal Prohibition, Willebrandt made reforms towards the federal prison system. She petitioned congress for a women's prison facility which then led to the establishment of the first federal women's prison located in Alderson, West Virginia. Willebrandt also worked to improve youth reformatories as well as secure paid work for inmates.
Aaron Bauer, Alderson Federal Prison Camp, 10/6/2025, Flickr: Alderson Federal Prison, 07/24/2025