London's transport at war > Women and war

Jobs from the boys

Women kept London moving during the two world wars. They replaced male transport staff in a wide range of roles. In doing so, they helped change attitudes about ‘women’s work’.

Wartime employment gave women new opportunities and status. Transport jobs paid better and enabled women to be part of the war effort. The public supported women transport workers. Hostility from male staff was eased by restricting certain jobs to men and by making female employment temporary.