As WWII carries on and as greater manpower is required, women have taken their place in the war effort. For every woman in a support role frees up a man for active duty. At the beginning of the war, the British launched the Women's Voluntary Service (WVS) to provide such support in various facets, including in civilian services, many which were traditionally done by men. Britain is far behind Russia, where twenty years earlier women were afforded equal rights as men. So in entry into the war, the women of Russia were already well prepared for their roles to support the war. Canada has been able to profit through the experiences of Britain and Russia. As the war progresses, many women in all three countries are entering the military, some even in combat roles.