Women & Children on the Goldfields
By Mrs Pearce 5T
Introduction
In 1854 there were approximately 4000 women on the goldfields in Ballarat compared to about 12500 men. Most of these women were married.
Roles and Responsibilities of Women
1. Cooking
2. Singing and dancing for diggers
3. Some women were diggers
4. Shopkeepers
5. Caring for children
6. Make bread,butter and jams
Health
Conditions were poor on the Goldfields . Many children died because of the foul muddy waters they had to drink.
People died from whooping cough, measles and other diseases because there were no hospitals. Cemetries were set up to bury the dead.
Women helped other women give birth because nurses and medicines were limited. Often, a male would play the role of 4 or 5 professionals. It was common that a doctor was also the communities barber and dentist.
Children and Education
Bibliography
http://pioneersall.bounce.com.au/#/children-on-the-goldfields/4532978317
http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/goldsheilas.htm
http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/explore-history/golden-victoria/life-fields/women-goldfields
http://www.myplace.edu.au/decades_timeline/1850/decade_landing_15_1.html?tabRank=3&subTabRank=2