Women in Society Post Wwii

The Impact of World War I on Women

Before World War I, the most traditional occupations for women were as domestic servants. Women were also employed in what were thought to be suitable occupations such as; office work, nursing, and teaching. When World War I broke out in August 1914, thousands of women lost their jobs in millinery, dressmaking, and jewelry making. The women needed jobs, and they also wanted to help the war effort.

At first, there was quite a bit of trade union opposition, and the employment of women had not increased significantly before the summer of 1915. In July 1915, a leading suffragette by the name of Christabel Pankhurst organized a “Right to Work” march; then with the introduction of conscription in 1916 there was an increase in the number of women employed in all sectors of the economy. (Impact of WWI on Women)

A revolution of sorts was taking place. Women gained access to a whole range of jobs that were once held by men; the armed forces also employed them. In the Women’s Auxilliary Corps, women were mostly employed in unglamorous tasks such as; cooking and catering, clerical work, storekeeping, printing, motor vehicle maintenance, and telephony and administration. As more and more men were called to the frontlines, women also became ambulance and truck drivers.

Women became more visible in the world of work and were eventually seen as doing relevant jobs. Wages for women rose and with this some women gained greater independence.