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In the early twentieth century, many women worked at the Tax Administration, mainly in administrative roles like government clerk or ‘writer’. Telephone operators had the rank of ‘writer second class’. These were low-paid jobs that required no special training.

Some form of nepotism (hiring from within one’s own circle) was not uncommon when filling government positions. It meant savings on procedures and background checks. Fathers could train their children on the job. Since 1913, several women had been working as analysts at the Laboratory of the Ministry of Finance, positions that required training. Three daughters had followed in their fathers’ footsteps. For these young women, it may have been the only opportunity to work outside the home in a safe environment.

In the years that followed, a few women were admitted to higher positions like assistant accountant and assistant inspector. In the 1920s, three women become supernumeraries: the first step towards higher management. Most young women lasted just a few years, either because of the hostile work environment for women, or due to the 1924 law that forced women civil servants to stop working once they got married.

But there were exceptions. 

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