Throwing Out the Apron: Canadian Women During WWII

Despite the positive changes that occurred during WWII, Canadian women had to face hardships both in service and on the home front. Nearly all women had been told “not to worry their little heads” and were expected to step down quietly when the men returned from war. Needless to say, this did not bode well with women who had become accustomed to their roles in the domestic work force. Servicewomen did not receive much better treatment. They were resented by their male co-workers, as well as family15. While in uniform, some family or friends would avoid even walking on the same side of the street as a servicewomen16. On top this resentment, women both at home and in service were paid considerably less than men. Because of the changing role of Canadian women during WWII, they had to endure unneeded ridicule and discrimination.