During earlier wars such as the Boer war and the Korean War, Australian women continued in their everyday role. In a largely male dominated society, there were few women in the workforce other than domestic service. The idea of women playing a role in politics was unheard of as the women were expected to be hands on mothers and wives. The First World War drained the workforce of young, competent and willing workers. Australia’s size was still quite small considering it had only been founded 100 years ago. Of the 4 million Australians populating it at that point in history, around 39% of males were off fighting. With a war on machinery and weaponry was desperately needed and workers to make it. In response to the war women stepped in as nurses, factory workers, police and various other jobs. Due to the drainage of men, women were taking over a majority of roles and earned respect in the workforce. Many men did not return and of those that did few were able to return to work having lost limbs and sustained injuries. Women in the workplace led to a shift in society’s morals, beliefs, politics and rights. Over 60% of woman changed roles and 40% kept them after the war.
Women suprised and impressed men with thier ability to lift heavy weight, do hard work and endure. During the war time a mutual respect was gained. initially, when the war started many female workers were unemployed. However the desperate need for workers and as the factories became government owned. Over 1.5 miillion females left the domestic service and entered the workforce over the 5 years the first world war spanned. many never left the workforce. However, the society was still very sexist. During the years following women workers were paid less and had less freedom and rights. Through strong protest and a shift in attitude this is what we have gained today. The female ammunition worker is the face of women in ww1. Though this was a major job, ladies also partook in many other war efforts. An example is nursing. Many women took up nusing. With a wave of wounded soldiers coming in regulary, it was needed. Other women joined the land army. This involved producing and working the land to harvest crops to feed those that needed it in the war.
The role women played in the First World War earned them the position, abilities and education they have today. Thanks to ww1 the women of Australia have obtained opportunities and freedom of choice.
Women suprised and impressed men with thier ability to lift heavy weight, do hard work and endure. During the war time a mutual respect was gained. initially, when the war started many female workers were unemployed. However the desperate need for workers and as the factories became government owned. Over 1.5 miillion females left the domestic service and entered the workforce over the 5 years the first world war spanned. many never left the workforce. However, the society was still very sexist. During the years following women workers were paid less and had less freedom and rights. Through strong protest and a shift in attitude this is what we have gained today. The female ammunition worker is the face of women in ww1. Though this was a major job, ladies also partook in many other war efforts. An example is nursing. Many women took up nusing. With a wave of wounded soldiers coming in regulary, it was needed. Other women joined the land army. This involved producing and working the land to harvest crops to feed those that needed it in the war.
The role women played in the First World War earned them the position, abilities and education they have today. Thanks to ww1 the women of Australia have obtained opportunities and freedom of choice.