The Second World War demanded much in the way of resources. While women may not immediately come to mind, they did play a crucial role in the war efforts, both in production and sustenance.
The Transitioning of Women’s Role in Society
In 1939, the role of women in society was transitioning from being primarily focused on house-making and child-bearing to something more akin to the roles they occupy today.
Female Activism in Full Swing
Female activism was in full swing, and women were increasingly pursuing careers. They predominantly found employment in service industries like nursing and teaching.
The Inevitable Demand for Women’s Contribution
When most able-bodied men were sent to the frontlines of the war, certain industries experienced stagnation.
As their time at war increased, it became clear that change was necessary. Women emerged as the evident solution to this issue.
Women Around the World During WWII
An enormous 132 countries participated in World War II, across 50 nations. This included Great Britain, America, and Asia.
Women were called upon to assist in every actively warring country, though the nature of their roles varied significantly.
World War II: The British Women
As only 20 years had passed since the end of World War I, the female population in Britain quickly understood the toll that World War II would have on national supplies.
The Women’s Land Army
During the previous war, an organization called Land Girls, also known as the Women’s Land Army, was created.
Its main aim was to safeguard agricultural production in the absence of the industry’s men.
The Women’s Land Army
Many British women joined the Land Girls, whereupon they began farming the lands, partaking in dairy management, and even tackling vermin control.
The organization’s membership peaked in 1944, boasting over 80,000 women. Though some had been conscripted, many were volunteers.
Women’s Royal Naval Service
It wasn’t just farming that British women excelled at. By 1939, both the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce and the Women’s Royal Naval Service were established. These bodies provided women with various ways to help the war effort.
British Women in War
Both services required women to assist those on the frontlines, behind the scenes. Reports, administration, and vehicle maintenance were key responsibilities they were asked to fulfill.
Other women, meanwhile, gained employment as intelligence officers, or in more common terms, spies.
World War II: The American Women
The Second World War drastically changed the employment scene for women in America.
After the war ended, a third of women over the age of 14 worked outside the home, many in industries that had previously not been accessible to them.
American Women in War
During the war, however, there were fewer reasons to celebrate.
Women joined forces similar to those established in Britain, working in clerical roles and attending to vehicle maintenance for those on the fronts, while others underwent combat training.
Working Jobs Previously Filled by Men
An estimated 350,000 American women served in the war effort in World War II. For some, this meant undertaking less direct forms of assistance, entering industries like engineering.
Civil jobs were also greatly encouraged, and many women remained closer to home, working in jobs previously filled by men.
Racism Was Prevalent During War
Racism was still prevalent in 1939, and segregation remained throughout most of the war.
Black women were only allowed on the frontlines in 1944, and even then, if injured, only black nurses were allowed to care for them.
World War II: The Soviet Union Women
In contrast to other nations, World War II fell at a unique time for the Soviet Union.
With unfulfilled promises of equality and a vocal feminist movement, women were more desperate than ever to prove their value.
Soviet Women in War
Due to the political climate, there was a heightened enthusiasm among women to participate more actively in the war effort.
Women trained as snipers, spies, and infantry, while others took part in aircraft training.
Women Hindered by Pervasive Sexism
However, despite their acquired skills, gaining permission to participate in combat proved challenging. Often hindered by pervasive sexism, they had to seek approval from their regimental commanders.
Defying Setbacks
The setbacks did not subdue the female movement though. An estimated several hundred thousand women fought within the Soviet Army to some capacity, with tens of thousands dying in action.
First Woman War Pilot
The Soviet Union can also be credited with producing the first female war pilot, Marina Raskova.
She set many records during her time in action and became an inspirational figure to many women of the time.
The Irreplaceable Charge of Women
The female effort in World War II was both valuable and necessary for the survival of each country.
Their practical support and logistical assistance alone were of immeasurable worth, and their unprecedented skills on the frontlines were critical in advancing and concluding the war.
WWII’s Role in Empowering Women
Though World War II was largely accepted as a tragic historical event, it played a pivotal role in propelling women into a position where they could advocate for their rights.
In a world where female equality was largely disregarded, the opportunities for employment and education for women might have been nearly unattainable otherwise.
This article was produced by TPR Teaching
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.