When female convicts arrived in Sydney Cove or the Parramatta Female Factory, they were typically subjected to a rigorous system of inspection and classification before being assigned to their various roles and duties within the convict system.
Upon arrival, the women were often housed in barracks or other communal facilities where they were subjected to medical examinations and interviews with officials. These examinations were designed to identify any health problems or special needs that the women might have, as well as to determine their level of education, skills, and previous work experience.
After this initial screening process, the women were usually assigned to various forms of work within the convict system. Many were sent to work as domestic servants in the homes of free settlers, while others were employed in factories, on public works projects, or in other forms of manual labor.
Some women were also sent to work in the factories and workshops of the Parramatta Female Factory, which was established in 1821 as a way to house and employ female convicts in New South Wales. At the factory, women were put to work spinning, weaving, sewing, and performing other tasks related to the manufacture of textiles and clothing.
The specific assignments and duties of female convicts varied depending on a variety of factors, including their age, health, skills, and behavior. Some women were able to secure better assignments or more favorable treatment by demonstrating good behavior, performing well at their work, or otherwise complying with the rules and expectations of the convict system.