Causes of Australian Women in World War IIWhy were women needed in the war effort? By 1939, Australia had joined the war effort. That year, Poland had been invaded by Hitler, leading Britain to declare war on Germany. This declaration initially meant that Australia would be called upon to support Britain. Many Australian men enlisted in the armed forces, leaving predominantly women on the home front. This movement first affected the Australian home front, where the workforce was predominantly male. For the Australian economy and the war effort to work, it was clear that all members of Australian society had to contribute. How did Australian women join the war effort? 1939: Australia joins the war effort. During this year, Australian women were given the opportunity to formally contribute to the war effort through the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF). This was initiated by the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). This fund allowed women to knit various essentials for soldiers like socks, scarves or perhaps sweaters. This organization did not really give women the opportunity to contribute directly to the war effort but rather fit into the ideology of the role of women (staying at home). Australian women were also needed in the war effort due to injured soldiers. The traditional role of women acting as nurses therefore arises within the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS). 1940: During this period, many women came together to create different sectors that would allow them to help the war effort by providing vital services, etc. The Women's Transport Corps is created. In this body, women had the opportunity to learn to drive: trucks, ambulances,...... middle of paper ......kins, T. (2012). History Alive 10 for the Australian program. Milton, Queensland, Australia. Retrieved March 28, 2014Department of Veterans Affairs. (nd). It’s all about “leaving the house.” Retrieved March 3, 2014 from Australia's War 1939-1945: http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/allin/leavinghome.htmlLewis, R. (nd). The Home Front - World War 2. Retrieved April 1, 2014 from www.anzacday.org.au: http://www.anzacday.org.au/history/ww2/homefront/overview.htmlRed Apple Education Ltd. (2014). Women on the Home Front. Retrieved March 31, 2014 from Skwirk Interactive Schooling: http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-14_u-91_t-202_c-675/women-on-the-home-front/nsw/women-on-the - home-front/australia-and-world-war-ii/women-in-world-war-iiSiers, R. (March 2013). Devotion: Stories of Australian Wartime Nurses. Canberra, Australia: Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved April 3, 2014