- Domestic Work: The vast majority of women were engaged in domestic duties, taking care of their households, raising children, cooking, cleaning, and managing the family's finances.
- Agriculture: Many women worked alongside their husbands or other male family members in farming and agricultural activities. They helped in planting, weeding, harvesting, and tending to livestock.
- Craftswomen: Some women were skilled in various crafts and trades. They worked as weavers, seamstresses, embroiderers, brewers, bakers, pottery makers, and leather workers. Their products were often sold locally or traded at markets.
- Brewers and Ale Wives: Brewing ale was a common occupation for women in medieval times. Ale was a popular beverage, and women were often responsible for its production and sale.
- Midwives: Midwifery was an important profession, as women were primarily responsible for childbirth. Midwives assisted in delivering babies, provided prenatal and postnatal care, and offered herbal remedies.
- Market Traders: Women participated in market trade, selling their crafts, produce, dairy products, eggs, poultry, and other goods.
- Nurses and Caregivers: Women often served as nurses and caregivers, assisting the sick and elderly in households or religious institutions.
- Spinners and Weavers: Many women were skilled in spinning wool or flax into yarn, which was then used to weave cloth. This textile production was vital for clothing, bedding, and household items.
- Religious Roles: Women found limited opportunities in religious institutions. Some became nuns, devoting their lives to prayer and service within monasteries or convents.
- Entertainment and Music: Women who were accomplished in singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments might find work as entertainers at noble courts or taverns.
- Healers: Some women were known for their expertise in herbal medicine and healing practices, often relying on traditional knowledge passed down through generations.
- Guild Membership: Women were rarely admitted to guilds (associations of craftsmen and merchants), but some exceptions existed in certain trades, particularly those related to textiles and food production.
It's important to note that job opportunities for women varied across regions and over time during the Middle Ages. Social status, economic circumstances, and cultural norms played significant roles in determining women's occupations and social roles.