With so much of the male population of European countries in uniform during the war, women increasingly filled industrial positions from which they had heretofore been excluded. In Britain, these women were collectively dubbed:

Explanation: The Munitionettes(also called the Canary Girls) were part of the female work force that took up war-time employment in the production of munitions during World War I as the demand for munitions increased and the male work force,many of whom had been drafted, was depleted.

Although attempts were made to increase production by encouraging overtime among the existing male workforce as well as recruiting older men, production still didn't meet the Government’s munitions needs. At this point, the Government realised it would not only need to utilise but also encourage the female workforce at home. There was however great reluctance to introduce women into this type of work, mainly by trade unions on how it would affect the working rights of the men upon their return from war.