From country to country, women in World War 2 took on a variety of significant roles. The second world war was a global conflict and it was urgent that the entire population of a country took part in succeeding in the war. Women's roles in society expanded from taking care of families at home, to working in war industries.
United states
The United States developed the concept of Rosie the Riveter symbolising the hard skilled labor of women. The image depicted was a female factory worker performing what was previously considered as 'men's work'. Opportunity spread and with the extended skill base, women took part in voluntary and paid work forces. Over 2.2 million women were working in war industries aiding in building air forces, warships, weaponry and vehicles by 1945. Approximately 400000 women served with the armed forces. After the war, women were officially recognised as a permanent part of the U.S armed forces.
canada
In June 1941, the Canadian Women's Army Corps was established. The enlisted women took over:
- The movement of light mechanical transport vehicles
- Cooking in hospitals
- Clerks and typists in camps and training centres
- Telephone operators and messengers
- Canteen helpers
In 1942, the Canadian Women's Auxiliary Air Force was developed and women could enlist however there were requirements; women could not enlist if they had children dependent on them, women must be over 18 and under the age of 41 and all new recruits were required in training centres.
- The movement of light mechanical transport vehicles
- Cooking in hospitals
- Clerks and typists in camps and training centres
- Telephone operators and messengers
- Canteen helpers
In 1942, the Canadian Women's Auxiliary Air Force was developed and women could enlist however there were requirements; women could not enlist if they had children dependent on them, women must be over 18 and under the age of 41 and all new recruits were required in training centres.
germany
Over 14.6 million women were working; many worked in farms and industries. Women also participated in combat and they served in the air force, navy and army.
However Jewish women became the center of Nazi human experimentations and were victims of rape, murder and beatings.
However Jewish women became the center of Nazi human experimentations and were victims of rape, murder and beatings.
united kingdom
Women were needed in factories to help build battlefield weaponry. Women's traditional roles as 'housewives' transformed into patriotism. In Britain, women participated in both civilian and military roles. Women were also recruited to working in canals, transporting coal and ammunition. They became known as the Idle Women. Other women served in the Women's Auxiliary Fire Service and Police Corps.