During the Victorian Era, gender roles were very strict. Women were expected to be confined to the private sphere, and take care of the home and children. On the other hand, men were expected to provide for their families and protect the household. Although these were the ideal expectations, many women defied them. During the Victorian Era, many women were employed. Moreover, female writers and activists became more common. The slow inclusion of women in the public sphere led to social change and reform in later eras.