Credit for image: iwm.org.uk

During both World War I and World War II, the role of women in Britain changed dramatically as they were called upon to replace men who had gone to fight. Before the wars, most women were expected to remain at home, caring for their families, while employment opportunities were limited to domestic service, teaching, nursing, or clerical work. However, as war disrupted the nation, women entered industries and professions that had long been reserved for men. They worked in factories, on farms, in transport, and even in military roles, proving their capabilities under extreme conditions.

The most significant area of employment for women during both wars was the munitions industry. Women working in munitions factories were responsible for assembling bullets, shells, and explosives that were crucial to Britain’s war effort. The work was not only exhausting but also highly dangerous. Explosions were common, and exposure to TNT often led to severe health issues, including jaundice, which turned their skin yellow and earned them the nickname "Canary Girls." Many lost their lives in factory accidents, yet their work was essential to keeping the military supplied with weapons and ammunition. Outside the factories, thousands of women joined the Women’s Land Army, working on farms to produce food for the nation. This was grueling physical labor, often carried out in harsh weather conditions. Many of these women had never worked on farms before, coming from cities and towns, yet they adapted to milking cows, plowing fields, and repairing machinery. Despite their efforts, they were paid very little, with wages barely enough to support themselves. Housing for the Land Girls, as they were called, was often basic, with many living in overcrowded farm cottages or makeshift barracks. Women also took on roles in transportation, becoming bus and tram conductors, train drivers, and mechanics. They kept the country moving while men were away, ensuring that factories received their supplies and workers could travel. In London, women even operated parts of the Underground. Postal services relied on female workers to deliver letters and packages, often cycling long distances to reach people in rural areas. A significant number of women joined the military’s auxiliary services, such as the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), and the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS). They worked as radio operators, radar plotters, clerks, and even mechanics, keeping aircraft, ships, and vehicles operational. Some of the most dangerous roles involved working in intelligence, particularly at Bletchley Park, where women played a key role in breaking enemy codes. Others joined the Special Operations Executive (SOE), working as spies behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied Europe, risking torture and execution if caught.

Despite their vital contributions, women had little choice in where they worked. During World War II, the British government introduced conscription for women in 1941. Unmarried women aged 20-30 were required to either work in industry, join the armed forces, or participate in civil defense. Later, the age range expanded to 18-40, and married women were included. While some women were able to state their preferences, in many cases, they were assigned jobs based on the country’s needs rather than their own interests or skills. Those who refused to work faced fines or imprisonment. Wages remained a significant issue for women throughout both wars. Although they performed the same jobs as men, they were consistently paid less. In munitions factories, a woman’s wage was often half of what a man had earned before the war. Some women attempted to protest this unfairness, but most employers ignored their demands. The belief that women’s work was temporary and that men would return to reclaim their jobs after the war meant that wage equality was not taken seriously. Women from professional backgrounds also contributed to the war effort. Female doctors, nurses, and scientists played crucial roles in treating wounded soldiers and developing new medical treatments. In both world wars, nurses worked on the front lines, often in horrific conditions, treating injured soldiers in makeshift hospitals. Female scientists helped develop radar, worked on aircraft technology, and contributed to the early research on antibiotics. However, even in professional roles, women were often treated as second-class citizens, given lower pay and fewer opportunities for advancement.

For women who were already mothers or became pregnant during the war, the challenges were immense. There was little government support for working mothers, and childcare was scarce. Wartime nurseries were set up in some areas, but they were often overcrowded and poorly funded. Many women had no choice but to leave their children with family members or neighbors while they worked long shifts. The expectation remained that once a woman had a child, she would leave work and return to domestic life, though the national labor shortage sometimes forced employers to keep them on. Pregnant women who worked in munitions factories faced severe health risks, as exposure to toxic chemicals led to miscarriages, premature births, and birth defects. Those who became too ill to work were often dismissed without financial support. Disabled women faced even greater challenges during the war. Employers often assumed that they were unfit for physical labor and were reluctant to hire them. However, some found work in clerical positions, administrative roles, or as seamstresses making military uniforms. Despite their willingness to contribute, they frequently encountered discrimination and lower wages. The government made little effort to support disabled women in the workforce, and many were left out of the national call for labor entirely. The ages of women who worked during the wars varied widely. Many young women, some as young as 16, entered the workforce for the first time, eager to contribute to the war effort and gain independence. Older women, including those in their 40s and 50s, also took on jobs, particularly if they were widowed or had no male relatives to support them. Even married women, who had traditionally been expected to stay at home, were required to work as labor shortages became more severe. For some women, wartime work was an opportunity for independence and self-sufficiency. Many enjoyed earning their own wages, learning new skills, and proving their capabilities in roles that had previously been denied to them. Others, however, found the work exhausting, dangerous, and physically demanding. While some women were proud to contribute to the war effort, many longed for the war to end so they could return to their normal lives.

When both wars ended, most women were expected to give up their jobs and return to domestic life so that men could reclaim their positions. However, the experience of working during the war had changed them. They had gained new skills, confidence, and a sense of independence that could not easily be forgotten. The efforts of these women laid the foundation for future generations, contributing to the fight for workplace equality and women's rights. Though they were not always given the recognition they deserved at the time, their role in Britain’s wartime success was undeniable.