In the early years of the gold rush there were very few women at any of the goldfields. The goldfields were not considered an appropriate place for a respectable lady and so women on the goldfields were often the subject of disapproval. But a few women were diggers amongst the men, and others were shopkeepers at the diggings, some women also worked as waitresses and bar-maids in the hotels. Another source of income for the talented was entertainment. They could gain considerable fame and income as singers or dancers. Sometimes these women were part of travelling shows that frequently visited the goldfields to entertain the miners. But most women stayed at home with their children (having from 8-10), usually with very little money to live on, while their husbands travelled to live and work at the diggings.
Women's work consisted of washing, ironing and cooking. They made bread, butter, jams, soap and clothes for the family. The icing conditions were cramped, and there were few comforts at the diggings. For many women of childbearing age, the prospect of pregnancy and childbirth was always a concern. At the time there were no medical support systems in place. A woman giving birth had to either depend upon the support of other women, or else go through the process alone. It is not surprising that many women died giving birth on the goldfields. |
References:
- Class notes from powerpoints
-Fitzsimons, P. (2012). Anastasia Hayes - Eureka Rebel [internet].
Tintean, Australia <
http://tintean.org.au/2013/07/06/anastasia-hayes-rebel/ > viewed
12/9/1
La Trobe University. (2013). Flashers, femmes and other forgotten
figures of the Eureka Stockade [internet]. The Conversation, Australia
<http://theconversation.com/flashers-femmes-and-other-forgotten-figures-of-the-eureka-stockade-20939> viewed 12/9/14
- Class notes from powerpoints
-Fitzsimons, P. (2012). Anastasia Hayes - Eureka Rebel [internet].
Tintean, Australia <
http://tintean.org.au/2013/07/06/anastasia-hayes-rebel/ > viewed
12/9/1
La Trobe University. (2013). Flashers, femmes and other forgotten
figures of the Eureka Stockade [internet]. The Conversation, Australia
<http://theconversation.com/flashers-femmes-and-other-forgotten-figures-of-the-eureka-stockade-20939> viewed 12/9/14