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Context

There was no ‘typical’ experience for women in Canada during WWII. Many had held jobs previosuly but the demand for manufacturing labour during the war years led to more and more women holding jobs that payed considerably better, though still not at equal pay to men. Women on the home front provided immensely for the nation as they rationed and recycled materials. It is also important to consider women’s roles as mothers as vital to Canada’s wartime effort.

Interesting Stuff

Check out the CBC archives for a wealth of information:‘On Every Front’ CBC Archives
A fascinating look at First Nations women contributing to the WWII effort: here
A look at women pilots during WWII: RCAF Website

Wartime Propaganda Posters

Study Questions:

1. Why were women during WWII paid less than men, even though women were in high demand?
2. Where all women better off or able to access jobs during WWII?