Women in the workforce is not a recent trend. Before World War Two they were limited to house chores, nursing, or as a governess for a wealthy family. World War Two approached not just with change at the global level, but job opportunities for women were also enhanced, and they took their charge into their hands.
All the men had gone to war, and their female counterparts had been called to work for the war effort at home. Invitations to work in different sectors made them well versed in several occupations.
Jobs which were accomplished by women:
- Plumbers
- Building Ships
- Air raid wardens
- Ambulance Drivers
- Nurses
- Teachers
- Helpers
- Domestic help
- Factory workers
Why did they step out?
- Economical reasons.
- Lack of labor force.
- Need for tailors to stitch army uniforms.
- Requirements of cooks for the soldiers.
- Men were at the war front, so women did all their work in the absence of men
- There was no way to earn money for an unmarried girl, so they took their livelihood into their own hands.
- All the resources had been decreasing during the war, so they also needed to increase their livelihoods to survive.
- Schools and colleges were closed, so women had to teach the students.
- Difficult working conditions: Some of them worked in a hazardous environment, which was very precarious. Work involved explosive items, sulfur, and other chemicals.
- Their hair and skin turned yellow due to the constant exposure with chemicals. Therefore they were called canary girls.
- Women did not receive any proper training for the dangerous work that they undertook. This led to numerous accident and loss of life
- They had to work for long hours, sometimes seven days a week, out of human capability.
- They also faced sexual harassment from the men they were working with.
Racism during World War 2 was rampant. Minority women were faced with difficult situations. Black women were not allowed in Defense or higher positions. White women often objected to working together with black women.
Black women preferred factory or blue color jobs. They also had the option to work as domestic help.
Ernest Bevin, the government minister for labor, declared one million wives were “Wanted for War Work.” The National service Act had been passed in 1941 for the recruitment of women in various jobs.
The Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS)
ATS was the women’s branch of the British Army in World War Two.
They were not allowed on the field but were restricted to::
- Cooks
- Postal Workers
- Storekeepers
- Drivers
- Cleaning Job
The Post-War Condition Of Women
The work and responsibility which they had taken during World War Two had come to an end after the war.
Most of them felt ready to go back to their ‘so-called’ right place as housewives. Apart from that, some were not happy to look behind. They wanted to continue working and improve their skills after the war.
Women’s empowerment And The War
War changed the lives of millions in several ways. Many lost their lives and families. On the other hand, the seed of women’s empowerment had been sown during World War Two.
Women were previously limited to house chores and minimal job opportunities, but World War Two opened the gate for them. They got numerous jobs during World War Two.
Women saw a new, previously unknown way of life and realized their hidden potential, and stood against the political norms which limited their place in the society specific spaces.
They raised their voice against the discrimination which they had faced for a long time.
World War Two proved to be metamorphic for millions of women. They provoked the challenges and upgraded themselves as they were learning numerous jobs based on the nation’s necessity.
Division of the work among men and women had been denied before the world war period. However, women proved themselves equal to the with their far-reaching efforts and zeal.
Rosie the Riveter is the most famous icon which represented millions of women who participated in the war. Rosie the Riveter was a robust, self-sufficient female who rolled up her sleep to show that ‘We can do it. ‘
Rosie was the representative of millions of females who strived for their nation.
Conclusion
To conclude, I am inclined to say that all these females were outstanding and equally contributed to their nations’ victory. They were harmonizing their female identity with their accountability as the mother and sister, daughter, etc. Their determination and enthusiasm paved the way for women’s empowerment for the coming generations.