The changing roles of Australian women during WWII


describe the changing roles of women during WWII


WAAAF_advertisement.jpg
Text pp.209-212

Military Units

66,500 women served in the Armed forces:
  • Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF)
  • Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS)
  • Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS)

Did not perform military duties. Roles were as support: clerical; transport; communications. Not allowed to serve overseas.

Read the information at the following links:
WAAAF
AWAS
WRANS

Womens_Land_Army.jpg

Australian Women’s Land Army

Women were recruited to work on the land to maintain food security as men left farms to go to the war.
Read the information at the following web site:
http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE0393b.htm

Voluntary Work

As in World War One, many women did voluntary work: Red Cross, Australian Comforts Fund. Also air raid wardens; first aid; hospitality; fundraising.

Women in the workforce

Many women joined the workforce, and from 1942 married women were also encouraged to work. Women worked in munitions factories and heavy industry. They were paid less than men as it was believed they were less able. Some union opposed women joining the work force.

Nursing

The traditional role of women as nurses in wartime continued in WWII. 3,400 women served in the Australian Army Nursing Service.
Australian Army Nursing Service