Title: Algerian Women in the Struggle for Independence and Reconstruction
Abstract: This discussion examines the part played by Algerian women in the struggle for national liberation (November 1 1954 to July 5 1962) and subsequently in the national reconstruction effort. Since 1830 Algerian women have on every occasion played an active part in Algerias many and repeated insurrections against the French occupying power. Armed struggle broke out on November 1 1954 with various kinds of action in different parts of the country. To conduct a revolutionary war it was necessary to mobilize the entire Algerian population half of which was women. Thus the cause of womens liberation was to be linked to the cause of national independence. Records reveal that 85% of the women served in the Civil Organization of the National Liberation Front (OCFLN) and 16% in the National Liberation Army (ALN). The types of activity in which they were involved is indicated only very summarily. More detailed information is available for about 1/3 of them and the great majority of these had the responsibility of providing shelter or food. These figures reflect only part of the real situation. Women played a particularly important role in armed action in rural areas and in the formation of networks for collecting funds medical supplies or information. Women in urban areas joined the movement somewhat later in large numbers accepting a range of different tasks and even highly dangerous assignments. The women who became involved in logistic support for the resistance from the start of the revolution and who had shown great bravery were not always rewarded for their courage with corresponding responsibility. As women became involved in various types of action their situation within the family and society as a whole was radically changed. The right of Algerian women to equality is fully recognized in the Constitution. An attempt is made to determine whether this equality is evident in daily life -- in the areas of school enrollment employment political rights and family planning. Despite efforts made since 1962 to increase enrollment a large proportion of women remain illiterate. 1977 statistics showed that 72.2% of women were unable to read or write. In 1977 with 138234 women in employment and 42000 women partially employed at home the gross percentage of women in gainful employment came to only 2.1%. Womens involvrement in political life does not reflect their recognized rights. In principle women have the right to vote and to stand for election. In practice these rights are exercised to a very limited extent. In 1980 the average Algerian family had over 7 members and the growth rate of the population at 32.1% was 1 of the highest in the world. This provides som idea of the heavy burden imposed on mothers who have had to raise a large number of children in difficult conditions. The country now seems to be moving towards a form of family planning adapted to the Algerian situation but the existing structures fall short of current needs.
Publication Year: 1983
Publication Date: 1983-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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