Idle Women

Idle Women is perhaps a derogatory name, but one which was jokingly derived from the initials IW (Inland Waterways) printed on the name badges given to the women recruited to work on the canal system during the second world war.

Far from idle, following an initial six week training period, they worked in groups of three hauling coal, cement and other essential supplies to factories and depots up and down the canal network. It was at times dangerous but, in the main, sheer hard labour working in all weathers, having to learn to adapt and fit into the traditional male dominated boating community.

There is today a growing number of single women choosing to live and work on the canals – but how have their roles and rights changed within society over the last few decades, and have attitudes towards women changed? This project touches on the lives of five single women who have chosen this alternative lifestyle.