Sheffield has long been recognised for its iconic steel industry and its vital role in the war effort during both World Wars.

During World Wars I and II, whilst the men of Sheffield fought for their country, thousands of women were conscripted into the steel factories of Sheffield. The women, often in their twenties, left behind their normal lives of running homes and raising children in order to contribute to the war effort and keep the factories running.

In the noisy, challenging and often dangerous surroundings the young women worked tirelessly under the threat of air raids to ensure the iconic steel factories of Sheffield carried on running smoothly, churning out world class artillery and armour to keep up with the demand.

By the end of the war, instead of being celebrated and congratulated, the women were simply dismissed from the factories as the men returned from war to work. The Women of Steel returned back to their normal lives of running homes and raising children and for years their outstanding effort went unrecognised.

The people of Sheffield now want to celebrate this special group of women by raising money in aid of a new statue in their honour.

Martin Jennings has been commissioned to design and craft the sculpture. His most celebrated piece is the statue of John Betjeman at St Pancras station which is now recognised as an iconic London landmark. Jennings said, “I want the statue to represent both the camaraderie that helped these young women triumph over the exceptionally difficult task allotted to them and the pride they felt in achieving expertise in an industry that was traditionally the preserve of men. I have modelled a welder and a riveter to stand for the many roles required of them. They are jauntily marching along arm in arm with their heads held high. At the end of the war the women were dismissed from their work in the steel industry with little thanks. Now, by erecting this statue within the lifetimes of the surviving Women of Steel, we all have an opportunity belatedly to record our gratitude. There are countless war memorials to men. My hope is that this statue will help us never to forget these women, without whose courageous endeavours victory in two world wars would have been very far from assured”.

The statue will be unveiled in Barkers Pool, the heart of the city centre and where the infamous Blitz struck Sheffield in World War II. The statue will be bronze in colour and human scale, celebrating the work and lives of Sheffield’s Women of Steel.

If you would like to contribute you can donate by visiting the Just Giving page.