Sarah G.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax Regional School Board Fair

Wartime Women of Canada

My project is on Canadian women in the Second World War and how it affected the status of women in Canada. They served in the military, took on new jobs in the workforce, and volunteered. Though they faced hardhips and loss, these brave women still took charge and rolled up their sleeves to do whatever they could.

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The Second World War was really the first time women in Canada got a chance to really step into the spotlight and show what they could do. They learned that they could carry the same responsibility as men. Canadians realized that women could do more than just be a "housewife" or "homemaker". WWII was a turning point for women's empowerment and led to even more women entering the workforce and taking on more important roles in society. Thankfully today women in Canada are viewed no different than men and are just as influential.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I learned that women were really the powerhouse behind Canada in the Second World War. They kept the hope and faith alive by doing the "behind the scenes" work and kept our country running smoothly on the homefront. Most people when they think of the Second World War think of soldiers on the front lines, but really, women were holding up their own at home too. No matter what race, culture, or identity, our women pulled together for our nation.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life today is very good compared to those of the Canadian women in the Second World War. These women had to deal with immense grief and heartbreak of the losses of loved ones. Women also dealt with many gender inequalities. They were thought to be less capable as men, but thankfully, this mentality changed.