The Roles of Women in WW2

Life for women in Britain had already changed dramatically since the end of the First World War in 1918.  By 1939 there were nearly 5 million women in paid employment, and they now had a political voice, with equal voting rights and 15 women MPs in the House of Commons. 

As it looked ever more likely that there would be another war in Europe, it was clear that women should have a role to play in the war effort; it was those who had volunteered in the First World War who led the way.

Taking on everything from factory work to joining the Armed Forces, the women who stepped up to ‘do their bit’ often had to overcome huge social barriers to do so. Thanks to their hard work and bravery, life for women would never be the same again.

Emma Hughes (‘The Lady Time Traveller’) is a Costumed Interpreter based in Cornwall, delivering education sessions, presentations and tours in historic clothing. Specialising in Tudor and Stuart, Victorian and World War II history.

(Photo: Women electroplating army canteen bottles - World War II, circa 1940, Wellington, by Gordon Burt, Gordon H. Burt Ltd. Gift of G. L. Adkin family estate, 1964. Te Papa (B.023539))

The Roles of Women in the Second World War

Wednesday 13th May 6.00pm

Cost: £6

A £1 Poly Fund payment is added to each ticket sold. A 50p booking fee is also applied per ticket for online and telephone transactions.