What Do Handmaids Do?

Handmaids-Handmaids are the few remaining fertile women in Gilead. They are responsible for bearing children to Commanders. If they do not conceive after six years, they are declared Unwomen and sent to the Colonies. ... Marthas-Marthas are infertile women who serve as servants in the households of Commanders.

What jobs does a Handmaid have to do?

Ripped from their previous lives by the Eyes, members of the government watch group, the handmaids are fertile women assigned to the households of the elite Wives and Commanders. Their only duty is to carry children for these families.

What is the purpose of Handmaids?

The Handmaid's sole purpose is to become pregnant, and if she doesn't, it's her own fault and she'll be punished by being sent to the Colonies. While men may be biologically sterile in Gilead, it's the women who shoulder the blame. Possessing a Handmaid is also a symbol of status for a Commander and his Wife.