World War II

Women as well as men, were, under manpower regulations, conscripted and directed to essential work. In 1944 all men from 18 to 59 and all women (with no dependent children) from 18 to 40 were liable to be directed to a job. Whereas in 1938 - 39 there were 33 women in jobs for every 100 men, by 1942 there were 46. The national emergency had a liberating effect on women; they became recognised as people who could and should contribute to economic life. Now, because it suited the state, child-care facilities were set up, women drove tractors and buses, did all types of farm work, mended the tram tracks, cleaned out the railway carriages and entered the public service as clerical workers. In 1939 the percentage of women clerical workers in the public service was 5 percent; in 1947 it was 25 percent.