Women in war” thematic exhibition

1939, women roll up their sleeves

History with a capital “H” has long excluded women in general. This goes hand in hand with the society in which we have long evolved, which is gradually changing. Women at the end of the 1930s seemed to have only a domestic role to play, as they were systematically involved in the upkeep of the home and the upbringing of their children. However, when war broke out in 1939 and men were mobilised for the front, it was the women who rolled up their sleeves to ensure that life went on as normally as possible.

Tribute to the women who fought

Just like the men, these women fought for their freedom and the freedom of their country. This new permanent exhibition is a tribute to the courageous women who have replaced men and proved to everyone that women have a place outside the home. The spearhead of the exhibition is the ambition to give women back the visibility they have long been denied. It will also, and above all, be an opportunity to take a different look at the Second World War, from the perspective of women who for a long time were seen only as collateral victims of a man’s war.

Divided into several themes, the exhibition brings together photographs, archive images, uniforms and various objects that tell the story of the women who also suffered this war.

At home, in production, in the fields…

A large proportion of women were forced to continue looking after their homes and children in occupied France, which was subject to rationing. However, with total war on the horizon, all available forces had to be mobilised. Production in the factories and fields, hitherto the preserve of men, passed into the hands of women, who took over the jobs of those leaving for the front. Supporting the war effort, boosting production in factories and on farms – that’s what women’s new daily lives were like.

Women are also at the heart of the battle

Some turned to the Resistance, finding it a way to become more involved in the fight for freedom. Still others would don the uniform, joining the various army auxiliary services reserved for women. The British, American and Canadian armies will be setting up auxiliary services reserved for women and linked to each of the country’s armies: army, air force, navy. Nursing positions will also be in high demand. What’s more, you’ll discover that one of the countries involved in the conflict will go so far as to authorise female soldiers.

Each of these women took part in the Second World War in her own way. They paved the way for future generations and contributed to profound changes in society. The right to vote granted to French women in 1944 is one of the first examples of this.

It’s happening at the Normandy Victory Museum

Don’t miss this rich exhibition on the role of women in the war. Photos, archival films and staged scenes will help you learn more about their roles, and about some of the women whose names are now well known and who distinguished themselves as resistance fighters or combatants.

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