International Women's Day

From farming to factory work, pit to office, the photos show some of the forms of employment available to Welsh women.

Colliery Girls at work

Prior to The Mines and Collieries Act of 1842, women were allowed to work underground in mines. This photo from Women’s Archive Wales shows colliery women at work. The location is unknown.

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Cockle women

This photo from National Library of Wales show the cockle women of Penclawdd with their baskets and donkeys. Dated c.1906.

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Sandyfort Munitions

The outbreak of the First World War meant that women began to take on traditionally male roles in the workplace. This photograph shows munitions workers at Sandycroft Munitions Factory.

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Land girl

Titled ‘Unknown’, this photograph from Llangollen Museum appears to show a Land Girl. The Land Army was first formed during the First World War and also operated during World War II. As a result, it is unclear during which period this photo was taken.

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Clothing factory

Taken by Geoff Charles, this black and white photo shows workers at a clothing factory in Maesteg in February 1950.

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J. R. Freeman

This photo from Glamorgan Archives shows office workers at J.R.Freeman & Son data processing room in 1973. The company was a major employer of women in Cardiff.

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by Ellen Davies, PCW Marketing Support Officer