To what extent did World War Two bring about real change in women’s role in Australian society?

World War Two played a major part in the change of women’s role in society. During the war women were allowed to fight alongside men as equals. Back at home there was a shortage of men to do jobs so women had to do them in their place. After the war people expected things to go back to the way they were before the war, but women had experienced a different life outside the home and many now felt they had more to offer in society. Women wanted to receive more opportunities, respect, and value for their work. This started the Women’s Liberation Movement. Many women were also seeking an education. The government passed and changed laws which would help women. Women began to have a higher profile in politics.

Women were allowed to join the Australian Armed Forces during the Second World War for the first time in history. By the end of the war there was nearly 24 000 enlisted women. They worked as drivers, aircraft spotters, pilots, signallers, nursers, clerical workers, and some e...