Abstract
M.A.
1939-1965 were important years in the history of white South African
women. These formative years laid the groundwork for their liberation and
entry into the armed forces. The First World War saw the mobilisation of
women in a war effort and opened up work opportunities previously
unavailable to them. However it was the mass mobilisation of the Second
World War which sealed the position of women, according to feminist
thinking, not only in society but the military establishment as well.
In 1931 women received the vote and citizenship, allowing them to become
more politically and militarily involved in the nations' future. Although this
process of women's liberation' appeared to be systematic, the limitations
and prejudices experienced by them in a `non-traditional' roles proved to be
disjointing. This became more blatant in the post-war years when women
were socially, politically and economically dislocated. The armed forces
appeared to provide the solution to this, although it went against the very
fabric of a patriarchal society. In 1958 the Women's Defence Corps appeared
to exist in name only. By 1965 an investigation was held to determine the
possibilities of a Women's 'armed force'. Although this was eventually
established some 15 years of insight, experience and facilities had been lost
to the South African military.