Roles in the workforce
Women’s participation in the Australian workforce increased by 31% between 1939 and 1943. They took on roles such as farmers, factory workers, sewers, teachers and nurses but they only received 60% - 90% of the men’s wages. This gave women independence and a voice in society but many people didn’t acknowledge the true effort women put in during the war.
While men were away at war, the women that didn’t enlist to go to war were responsible for taking on the men’s jobs in society. This meant that education was in demand and employment rates increased dramatically. Before World War I, a woman’s role in society was not seen as important. However, as more soldiers were being sent to the war, people started to acknowledge that women were no less important and they needed their help to hold up the Australian society.
While men were away at war, the women that didn’t enlist to go to war were responsible for taking on the men’s jobs in society. This meant that education was in demand and employment rates increased dramatically. Before World War I, a woman’s role in society was not seen as important. However, as more soldiers were being sent to the war, people started to acknowledge that women were no less important and they needed their help to hold up the Australian society.