“The Algerian woman, the unknown soldier”, new book on major role of women in resistance, fight against French colonizer
By: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The new book “The Algerian woman, the unknown soldier”, recent publication of the National Center for Documentation, Press, Images and Information (CNDPI), on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the recovery of national sovereignty, highlights the major role of the Algerian woman through the history, particularly in the resistance and the fight against the French coloniser.
Through archival images and texts, the 159-page book traces the struggle of Algerian women throughout history, particularly against the French colonizer, highlighting their primordial role in the preservation of traditions and customs as well as the national Muslim identity.
The book mainly evokes the pioneering role of Algerian women in the resistance against French colonialism during the war of liberation, who have become a symbol of the free and proud woman. These Moudjahidate, Fidaiyate, Moussabilat and activists who have made their voices heard by the whole world, setting themselves up as a model for all women in the world.
The book also depicts the participation of the woman fighter alongside the man in the fight against the colonizer, her contribution to the war of national liberation, in particular through the collection of funds and information, the assistance of the sick and wounded of war, the participation in the armed struggle and its resistance in the jails and colonial prisons in the face of all forms of torture and the abuse endured.
Djamila Boupacha, Hassiba Ben Bouali, Djamila Bouhired, Zohra Drif, Djamila Bouaza, Meriem Bouatoura to name only these among the heroines of our homeland known for their exceptional militant journey in Algeria and abroad and their unequaled sacrifices which will remain engraved in gold letter in the collective memory of the nation.
The book, which contains express biographies of these heroines, accompanied by their photos and testimonies, looks back on the sacrifices of foreign fighters of European origin who have dedicated their lives to the Algerian cause, like Jacqueline Guerroudj and Annie Steiner.
It is, in fact, a living historical document on which one can refer in the writing of the history of Algeria, especially since the majority of female combatants had not had the opportunity to give their testimonies. This book is, after all, a tribute to these women and a recognition for their true value.
The book highlights these Algerian women who have devoted their lives to preserving the national identity and perpetuating the values and traditions of Algerians, these Algerian women who have known how to keep alive the feeling of belonging to the homeland and transmit it to other generations.
