Goldfields: Women and Children
By: Maryam 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.
Children and Education
Children moved schools often. Parents kept moving to find richer goldfields. Often there was no schooling for children because there was no school built. If schools were built they were made from tents. The roof was made from a canvas material.
Roles and Responsibilites
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
Health
On the goldfieds many children died decause of the foul muddy water they had to drink. Conditions were poor. Cemeteries were set up to bury the dead. Nurses helped women to birth the baby.