By the end of World War I, 950,000 women were employed in munition factories producing 80% of the weapons used by the British army. Known as Munitionettes the women endured poor working conditions, often working long hours exposed to toxic substances. Without adequate protective clothing those who worked with sulphur often developed a distinctive yellow tinge to their skin, leading to their nickname of 'canaries.' Women earned about half the salary of their male colleagues but camaraderie amongst the women was high and many found the experience of work to be liberating.
