During the First World War, Australian women independently joined the Red Cross to support the war effort. The Red Cross provided a space for women to express agency and contribute to the war through practical activities and fundraising. The organization's local branches established a sense of community and played a significant role in the homefront war effort.
Category: International Relief
‘Angels Of Mercy’, The Red Cross On the Homefront During the First World War
During World War I, the Australian Red Cross mobilized women as 'Angels of Mercy' and 'ministering angels' to provide aid with strong moral overtone. The organization used motherhood imagery to rally support, portraying itself as the 'Greatest Mother in the World'. This approach effectively garnered community backing and positioned Red Cross workers as soldiers' guardian angels.
Share this:
Share this:
Red Cross humanitarianism and female volunteers in Australia
The Australian Red Cross has a long history of female volunteers providing aid to disaster victims. These women, often undervalued, found opportunities for social and political agency within the organization. Through fundraising and volunteering, they significantly contributed to the welfare of soldiers during the First and Second World Wars, yet their achievements have often been overlooked.
