The World War II Women

Contributed by Sally Beriont

When thinking of women’s work, many initially think of the work that women do at home-- their unpaid domestic labor. The old saying, “A women’s work is never done” refers to the hundreds of household chores women are often assumed to take total responsibility for. And although the work women perform at home is invisible because it is always done away from the public eye, women are seen by society as housewives and mothers and not as paid workers. During World War II, many women were responsible for tending to their home and their children while their husbands were in combat. But many also worked manual jobs all day, where they could do their part for the frontline without actually being on the frontline. Juggling a job in a factory, volunteering, or working for a war company, raising several children, keeping a proper home, all the while indisposed with heartache for their partner overseas, women in World War II had perhaps the hardest tasks of them all.

Interview:

Below, my Gramma reflects on and shares stories of life in WWII. Some her own, and some on behalf of her husband, a pilot during the war. They say that behind every great man stands a strong woman. My grandmother, Teresa Beriont, is one of the strongest.
 

For more information on Women during WWII, see:

"HISTORY
TOPICS." Women and the Home Front During World War II : Library : MNHS.ORG. N.p., n.d.
Web. 28 Feb. 2013.

"The Importance of Women's Paid
Labour. Women at Work in World War II by Lynn Beaton." The Importance
of Women's Paid Labour. Women at Work in World War II by Lynn Beaton. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.

"Journal of Combat Missions -
Page 4." Journal of Combat Missions - Page 4. N.p., n.d. Web. 28