Women of War

The effects of women’s work during WWII increased their presence in the workforce, elevated the significance of their traditional duties, and earned them recognition in Canada’s economy. Following the war, a report found that “less than half of the married women now working expect or hope to go back to housekeeping after the war. And only 5% of the unmarried women look forward to quitting.” Women’s challenging of their traditional roles marked the beginning of a demographic shift in Canada’s labour force, and influenced family structure. Now eager to work, women began to adapt their family life to accommodate their careers, making childcare services crucial, and influencing their spouses’ views as well.