Women and war

Did you know that women have played important roles in our military over the years? During the South African War and the First World War, Canadian women served as Nursing Sisters. In more recent times, however, they have come to work in all areas of the Canadian Armed Forces.

When Canadians served in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014, a number of women were doing the same jobs as men like driving trucks, flying warplanes, repairing engines, serving on warships, tending wounds and patrolling on foot. They were brothers and sisters in arms. More than 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members bravely served in Afghanistan. Sadly, 158 of them died in the cause of peace and freedom there, including four women.

For our Heritage Fair project, I brought in these courageous women’s remembrance dog tags. When I wear these tags, I think of them and all the Canadians who have risked their lives for our protection, at home and overseas.

Hey Teacher!

Interested in learning materials about women in the Canadian military?