Canadian Women: The March to Equality

Both wars transformed the economy into those focused on industry and agriculture meeting an increasing demand for military supplies. From a total Canadian population of eight million in 1914, 617,000 were eventually mobilized and more than 422,000 would serve overseas, of these over 99.5 % were men. This created a void in the workforce, requiring that an increasing number of women move into traditionally male occupations. Prior to the First World War, there had been significant wage difference between men and women, a disparity that would not be easily corrected despite the urgent demand for labour created in both wars. Following the first war, some social changes, possibly produced by greater financial independence, could be noted in the 1920s. Fashions changed; women wore shorter skirts, and the wearing of make-up became fashionable. Women could go out with a man without a chaperone, and began to indulge in the new habit of smoking. However, fundamental attitudes regarding women were slow to change, and the market crash and economic depression in the 1930’s, postponed hopes of improving the status of women.