ith the end of World War II , Italian presence in Britain increased rapidly , with Italian migrants searching for new opportunities . Many of these migrants included Italian women , who played more of a role in shaping Britain than they are credited for . In many cases , the contributions of women remain overlooked , which is why it is important to consider the role of women within this context .

Historical Context

Source : Lauren Gill

In the aftermath of the Second World War , the migration of Italians to Britain rapidly increased . With the mass destruction of Italy from the war , many Italians were pushed into poverty and unemployment , particularly in the South . With these unbearable conditions , for many Italians " the only hope , not only for progression but survival , was emigration ”, as stated by Terri Colpi in her 1991 book The Italian Factor : The Italian community in Great Britain . This migration would provide Italians with a chance to restart after the conflict .

So , why Britain ? Britain experienced labour shortages and consequently introduced various recruiting schemes . Nicola De Blasio

Where Did Women Fit In This ?

Whilst it may be assumed that more labour opportunities were available to men , this was not entirely the case in post-war Britain , as predominantly women entered Britain at first . In fact , De Blasio further describes that it was Italian women who initially “ dominated ” postwar migration to Britain , seeking labour . In particular , the demand for jobs in Britain , within the textile , rubber and ceramic industries and hospitals , was very high . So , thanks to the Italian women and their contributions , these occupations continued thriving . R King mentions in the 1977 article Italian Migration to Great Britain that around 2000 women were reported to have arrived in Britain through the recruitment schemes .

Without Italian women stepping in , would Britain have succeeded as much economically within these fields ? The contributions made by Italian women within the textile industry , especially with their unique methods for example , had a significant influence on the fashion industry in Britain for years to come . The economic and cultural contributions of Italian women in Britain are therefore undeniable .

Culinary Influences

With Italian women residing in Britain , another recognisable way they influenced British culture was through their cooking . Nowadays , Italian food is loved and enjoyed by most in Britain and this is reflected in the many Italian pizzerias and restaurants available . Italian women , many of whom were mothers who passed down their traditional recipes , introduced authentic Italian cuisine into Britain and made Italian food a staple in British households and restaurants .

For example , the Italian-born chef Anna Del Conte moved to London when she was 19 to learn English and get a job . She is now wellknown as one of the leading women who

introduced traditional Italian cuisine into Britain – traditions which she inherited from her mother , Maria , who was described by The Guardian in 2006 as “ a phenomenal maker of risotto ”.

It is clear to see that Italian women played a huge role in the shaping and progression of British society post-war . Italian women must be accredited for their contributions , and we must recognise that without these women , much of Britain nowadays would not be the same .

By Annabella Lewis ( She / Her ) // Second Year ; Italian and Spanish

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