Inspiring Women of Yesteryear
Posted by Janelle Manton on November 24, 2009 · 4 Comments
No related posts.
Posted by Janelle Manton on November 24, 2009 · 4 Comments
No related posts.
Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
So I might be a little bias, but did I miss Madonna in there somewhere ?? Ok so she hardly has done anything to stop Nuclear War, found a cure for a disease or given politicians a run for their money, but she has adopted an orphan or two, encouraged underwear as outerwear, believes we should all “Express” ourselves, and not to go “for second best baby”. I think she deserves a little mention lol
As a 22yr old in WW2, Eileen Allen was one of the first women to make the position of supervisor in the Dunlop Rubber Company at Birkenhead in Sydney. Her job was leading the manufacture of neoprene body bags for the military. While Eileen was proud to be able to serve the war effort, it was one of the saddest ways of doing so. Many years later, she told me that at least their loved ones would know that they were manufactured with great care and skill. At the time Eileen and the other women in that area of the plant couldn’t talk about their work due to security - increased orders for bags often meant large losses of lives were being expected in upcoming engagements with the enemy.
There were no employee counsellors. Stress leave didn’t even exist in the language of the day. They bore their fears silently. Women of today could learn a thing or two about the fortitude and commitment that women like Eileen Allen, my grandmother, possessed throughout their lives.
I am so happy that so many stories of women’s contribution are coming tot light, especially those darker tales which really do show how strong women can be. Your grandmother must have had some really strong friendships with the women with whom she worked…
I wonder how the women workers got on with male bosses…
This is an incredible story. Thank you for sharing it
These are but the few women who have made a difference. The women of yesteryear were amazing, strong and had a strong determination to make a difference in another person’s life. Imagine if they existed in today’s world, what would they do and achieve?
They gave us the gift of freedom and the gift of a voice. We carry the same determination, strength and will in our spirit.
What can we achieve? What legacy will we leave for our children.
I’m amazed everyday, when I see each of us doing what we do in today’s world.
I choose to make a difference in my life, sometimes it’s as simple as giving someone a smile or having a laugh with someone. Most of all, I regret nothing.
Being a woman is a privilage, one I’m choosing to embrase fully.