Lesson 1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES To understand the historical context of women’s roles during the World War One period To identify the qualities of past and present-day Trailblazers To explore how to be Trailblazers of the future To practice public speaking skills

TRAILBLAZERS: World War One’s Inspirational Women Female workers in a Lancashire oil and cake factory having tea, September 1918. By George P. Lewis © IWM (Q 28259)

What is a Trailblazer? Cambridge Dictionary says, LESSON 1 What is a Trailblazer? Cambridge Dictionary says, Trailblazer: the first person to do something or go somewhere, who shows that it is also possible for other people Merriam-Webster says, Trailblazer: one that blazes a trail to guide others Oxford English Dictionary says, Trailblazer: A person who is the first to do something; an innovator

INTRODUCTION: Women in World War One LESSON 1 INTRODUCTION: Women in World War One The First World War was a time of political and social change for women. Before the war began, women were protesting for the right to vote in political elections, this is known as the women’s suffrage movement. When the war started, campaigners for women’s rights set aside their protests and supported the war effort. Millions of men left Britain to fight overseas. Women took on more public responsibilities, such as conductors on public transport, labourers and office workers. Women’s Suffrage procession June 1908, Image courtesy of David Rubinstein’s book a different world for women 1991

INTRODUCTION: Women in World War One LESSON 1 INTRODUCTION: Women in World War One Women’s war work included munition and weapon manufacturing, nursing, and serving in the armed services in non-combat roles. They supported the war effort by driving lorries, doing mechanical work and finding out information about the enemy. The First World War gave women a chance to show their abilities in a wide range of public tasks and began to break down prejudice. Many historians believe that women’s activism and contributions to the war helped bring about the Representation of People Act in 1918. Female munitions workers guide 6-inch howitzer shells being lowered to the floor at the National Shell Filling Factory in Chilwell, Nottinghamshire around 21 August, 1917 © IWM (Q 30040)

RESEARCH: Find out about the Trailblazers of World War One LESSON 1 RESEARCH: Find out about the Trailblazers of World War One Left: A half-length portrait of Dame Helen in full uniform, 1918. By William Orpen © IWM (Art.IWM ART 3048) Centre: Sergeant Major Flora Sandes. By the Library of Congress. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Right: Princess Sophia Duleep Singh selling subscriptions for The Suffragette newspaper outside Hampton Court in London, April 1913. Courtesy of the British Library. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

PRESENTATIONS: Tell the us about the Trailblazers of World War One LESSON 1 PRESENTATIONS: Tell the us about the Trailblazers of World War One Left: Dick, Kerr’s unbeaten Ladies International Football Team 1921-1922 by Gail Newsham. Image available from: donmouth.co.uk. Centre: Evelyn Miles. Courtesy of West Midlands Police Museum. Right: Sarojini Naidu. 1912. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.