Goldfields: Women & children
by mariyam
Introduction
In 1854 there were approximately 4000 women on the goldfields in Ballarat compared to adout 12500 men. Most of these women were married.
Children and education
Children moved schools often. Parents kept moving to find richer goldfields. Often there was no schooling because there was no school built.
Health
On the goldfields many chilren died because of the foul muddy water they had to drink. Conditions were poor. Cemeteries were set up for the dead. People died form whooping cough and measles because there were no hospitals.
Roles and responsibilities
1. CooKing
2. Singing and dancing for diggers
3. Some women were diggers
4. Shopkeepers
5. Caring for children
6. Making bread, butter and jams