Beyond the Trenches

Canadian Women’s roles during World War I

Abstract

While World War I presented opportunities for women to break out of traditional roles, it also reinforced enduring gender norms. The war represents a complex period of both progress and regression for women’s rights and roles. This essay explores the impact of World War I on Canadian women, highlighting the tensions between the temporary expansion of their roles and the reinforcement of traditional gender dynamics. Prior to the war, women’s roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, with limited participation in public or economic activities. However, as men left to fight, women took on jobs traditionally reserved for men, especially in clerical and industrial work, demonstrating their capabilities in new areas. Despite this, women’s contributions were often framed within the confines of traditional femininity, particularly in nursing, which reinforced the image of women as nurturers and caregivers. Propaganda during the war emphasized women’s caregiving roles, portraying them as saintly figures whose work in nursing aligned with societal ideals of female virtue and sacrifice. This reinforced the maternalistic view of women, even as they gained greater visibility in the workforce.