Women played crucial roles during World War I, stepping into jobs traditionally held by men who were off fighting. They worked in munitions factories, served as nurses on the front lines, and took up roles in agriculture and transportation, thus contributing significantly to the war effort. Organizations like the Red Cross mobilized women as volunteers, providing medical care and support. Additionally, women's contributions led to growing recognition of their capabilities, paving the way for the suffrage movement, and ultimately, women in many countries gained the right to vote shortly after the war ended.