Canada needed women to pitch in and support the war effort from their homes, to work at jobs that were traditionally held by men, and to serve in the military. Canadian women enthusiastically embraced their new roles and responsibilities and helped contribute to the success of Canada's "Victory Campaign".

Out of a total Canadian population of 11 million people, only about 600,000 Canadian women held permanent jobs when the war started. During the war, their numbers doubled to 1,200,000. Women's manual dexterity helped them develop a great reputation for fine precision work in electronics, optics and instrument assembly. Women in the services filled many positions, including mechanics, parachute riggers, wireless operators, clerks and photographers.