Unlike many earlier wars, the determinants of a country's military power in WWII were industrial production, technological prowess, and logistical capability. The application of force to control large areas by subjugating large populations was not nearly as effective as in the past. I can terrorize people to grow grain for my soldiers; I need willing participation to create a reliable V2 rocket or Sherman tank. Technology shifted the equation. The military power created by 1,000 coerced people was less than the military power created by 100 willing individuals.
As a result, many local decisions in the Allied countries shifted to increase the status and voice of women and minorities in order to increase the military power output, which increased local managerial profits.