Women's Role in WW11

• When did most Australian women seek to contribute to the war effort during WWII?


  After the declaration of war in September 1939
• How did women's roles during WWII differ from those in World War I?

  Women demanded more direct involvement during WWII
• What skills did women learn by joining voluntary organizations during WWII?

  • Air-raid precautions
  • First aid
  • Military drill
  • Shooting
  • Signaling
  • Driving
  • Mechanical work
• What was the impact of WWII on women's paid employment in Australia?

  There was a significant increase in women's paid employment
• How many male workers were involved in munitions production in 1943?

  459,000
• How many female workers were involved in munitions production in 1939?

  1,000
• What traditionally male jobs did women take on during WWII?

  • Aircraft maintenance
  • Truck and bus driving
  • Bread and postal deliveries
• What was a significant issue regarding pay for women during WWII?

  Women were often paid less than men for the same work
• What contributions did women make in rural areas during WWII?

  • Shearing
  • Dairying
  • Crop planting
  • Harvesting
• When was the Australian Women’s Land Army (AWLA) established?

  In 1942
• How many women were part of the AWLA by December 1943?

  Nearly 3,000
• What was the status of Land Army members after the war?

  They were not provided with ex-service benefits
• Who served with the armed forces during WWI?

  Only nurses
• What led to broader acceptance of women in the armed services during WWII?

  Pressure from organizations
• How many women enlisted in the armed services during WWII?

  Approximately 78,000
• How many women served overseas during WWII?

  Nearly 4,000
• What was a common issue regarding pay for women in the armed services?

  Women were often paid less than their male counterparts
• What were the key services for women in the armed forces during WWII?

  • AWAS (Australian Women’s Army Service): 31,000 enlisted
  • WAAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force): Over 18,000 by 1944
  • WRANS (Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service): About 3,000 enlisted, none served at sea
• Who was a notable figure in the WRANS during WWII?

  Ruby Boye
• What was the role of Ruby Boye during WWII?

  She reported enemy movements as a coastwatcher
• When was the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service (AAMWS) formed?

  In December 1942
• How many women served in the AAMWS?

  About 10,000
• How many nurses served in the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS)?

  Approximately 3,500
• What dangerous situations did nurses face during WWII?


  Nurses faced risky situations where many were killed or captured
• Military services


  Women had served in many war services and even participated in combat roles including snipers.
• Labour shortages


  With many men enlisted, women filled the critical labour shortages in factories, farms and shipyards that significantly contributed to wartime production.
• Social changes and norms

  The war allowed women to gain financial independence and challenged traditional gender roles, which lead to shifts in societal norms and gradual acceptance of women in war and workforce.
• Medical services

  Women had played vital roles in nursing and medical services, often working in dangerous conditions near the front lines.
• Underground activities


  Many women also played crucial roles in resistance movements across Europe, participating in spying, sabotage and aiding in the escape of prisoners.