The role of women in nationalist struggles. Women played a very important role in nationalist struggles all over the world. They participated equally mostly in every movements. They faced torture of police but still they stood by their male counterparts. A large number of women participated actively in the political matters over the year. Sometimes they led the movements also, formed many political associations, founded newspapers and took part in political meetings and demonstrations. The most famous example is the French revolution where women participated equally as men. Liberty is personified as a women and also liberal nationalism proposed the idea of universal suffrage, leading to women's active participation in nationalist movements in Europe. So, on 18 May 1848, when the Constitution was drafted in the Frankfurt Parliament the controversial issue of the extending political rights to women was raised. Still women were deprived of suffrage during the election of the assembly and they were admitted in the Frankfurt Parliament Assembly only as spectators. But this did not diminish their contribution to the national struggle. Delphine De Girardin, an educated woman, criticized by saying that if servants doing the household work were granted the right to vote then why not women who are mothers, housewives managing everything at home. Women were given little or no political rights, right to vote etc. till the end of 19th century.

Role of Women in Nationalist Struggle

Women played a significant role in the nationalist struggle for independence in various countries around the world. Their contributions were instrumental in shaping the course of history and challenging the oppressive colonial powers. Here is a detailed explanation of the role of women in the nationalist struggle:

1. Political Activism and Leadership:
- Women actively participated in political movements and organizations, serving as leaders and activists.
- They organized protests, strikes, and demonstrations to raise awareness and demand freedom from colonial rule.
- Prominent women leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Indira Gandhi, and Fatima Jinnah emerged as influential figures in the nationalist struggle.

2. Mobilizing and Educating Masses:
- Women played a crucial role in mobilizing and educating the masses about their rights and the need for independence.
- They organized meetings, public gatherings, and campaigns to spread awareness about the nationalist agenda.
- Women also worked as educators, establishing schools and educational institutions to empower the younger generation with nationalist ideals.

3. Participation in Civil Disobedience Movements:
- Women actively participated in civil disobedience movements and acts of nonviolent resistance.
- They joined protests, boycotts, and marches, often facing violence and arrests by colonial authorities.
- The Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi in India saw the active involvement of women, who produced salt in defiance of the British salt monopoly.

4. Symbolic and Cultural Resistance:
- Women used various forms of symbolic and cultural resistance to challenge colonial rule.
- They participated in acts of civil disobedience like the spinning of khadi cloth, which became a symbol of self-reliance and resistance against British goods.
- Women also contributed to the preservation of national culture and heritage through their involvement in art, music, literature, and theater.

5. Supportive and Organizational Roles:
- Women played supportive roles by providing financial, logistical, and emotional support to the nationalist struggle.
- They fundraised, organized relief efforts, and provided aid to those affected by colonial policies.
- Women also played crucial roles within nationalist organizations, serving as secretaries, treasurers, and organizers.

6. International Advocacy:
- Women nationalists actively engaged in international advocacy, seeking support for their cause on a global scale.
- They attended international conferences, wrote articles, and corresponded with international leaders to garner support for their national movements.
- Women like Margaret Ekpo and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti from Nigeria were influential in raising awareness about the struggle for independence in their country.

In conclusion, women made significant contributions to the nationalist struggle through their political activism, leadership, mobilization efforts, participation in civil disobedience movements, symbolic resistance, supportive roles, and international advocacy. Their determination and resilience played a vital role in achieving independence and challenging the colonial powers.