Roles Of Women In Canada Essay

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Most women in Canada before World War One (WWI) were treated poorly compared to the men. Women were dehumanized and were not looked as any worth or value. During WW1 women’s roles in Canada changes to a great extent. The war influence change in the work force and politics. Women had to take on jobs of the men who went to war to keep the established economic system running. In 1911 before the war 16.6% of the female population of 2,521,000 participated in the labour force. During the war in 1921 the participation rate increased from 418,486 female workers to 563,578. War changed their roles greatly as before women were housewives, they would raise the children and do household chores. Now during the war they were needed as men went overseas …show more content…

Men used to only take on these jobs, some women had worked with the men as well; But there were very few women who did. Women having this increase in job openings changed their roles in Canada as they were able to participate in the workforce more. During the war there was also an political change for women as they were able to vote. “Women whose husbands, sons and brothers served over seas were given the right to vote.” This is evident to roles of women changing in politics. Women used to have no right to vote before war. During the war the government needed votes for their political parties in order to pass the conscription. The conscription stated that all able-bodied men would join war as they didn’t have enough soldiers enlisting to fight. Most women who had a male family member fighting voted towards conscription as they felt power and independence not being controlled by men. Political rights of women remained enforced therefore their role changed. In conclusion, during WWI women’s roles in Canada did change as women were starting to be seen as more worth and more opportunities for women politically and economically

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