The paper deals with the different roles played by (Slovenian) women during the First World War and the impact of these on their position after the war. Because the male workforce was mobilized, women had to take on some distinctly male jobs. They had to support their families, live on state support as relatives of those enlisted by the Austro-Hungarian army, and they always had to fight famine, the shortage of goods, and disease. In rural areas, the scarcity of labourers and draught animals forced them to take over farm work; they experienced frequent requisitions and confiscations of farmland and buildings. Slovene townswomen distinguished themselves with humanitarian and charitable acts. The situation was particularly difficult for women refugees who had to take care of their families far from their homes. During the First World War women entered public life but had to leave it again after the war. On the other hand, we can say that because of the responsibilities and roles inflicted on them, the Great War had more serious consequences for women than for men.