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Girl munition workers at their lathes in a Scottish mill, c1914
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Girl munition workers at their lathes in a Scottish mill, c1914
Girl munition workers at their lathes in a Scottish mill, c1914. By June 1917, roughly 80% of the weaponry and ammunition used by the British army during World War I was being made by munitionettes. With men recruited for the armed forces, the industrial workforce changed. Over 600, 000 women took on previously male-dominated roles in industry during the war, working alongside men in reserved occupations. Women in the industry were paid on average less that half of what the men were paid. From The Manchester Guardian: History of the War, Vol. II.-1914-15. 1915
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Media ID 14960094
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Lathe Machine Machinery Munition Worker Munitions Munitions Factory Munitions Industry Overalls Perspective War Effort Women At Work 1st World War Scots
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This print captures a group of girl munition workers at their lathes in a Scottish mill during the year 1914. As World War I raged on, these young women played an essential role in supporting the British army's war effort. By 1917, approximately 80% of the weaponry and ammunition used by the troops was being manufactured by dedicated munitionettes like these. With men being recruited for military service, industries had to adapt and rely on female labor to keep production going. Over 600,000 women stepped into previously male-dominated roles across various sectors during this time, working side by side with men who were exempt from conscription due to reserved occupations. However, despite their crucial contributions, these industrious women faced significant gender inequality in terms of pay. On average, they earned less than half of what their male counterparts received for doing similar work. This photograph provides us with a glimpse into the lives of these brave ladies as they worked diligently inside a factory filled with machinery and surrounded by fellow workers. Clad in overalls and focused on operating lathes—an important tool for shaping metal—they embody strength and determination amidst challenging circumstances. As we reflect upon this image from The Manchester Guardian: History of the War series published in 1915, it serves as a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifices made by women during World War I—a pivotal moment that reshaped societal norms and paved the way for greater gender equality in subsequent years.
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