What was the role of women in anti- imperial movement in vietnam?

Women played an important role in the anti-impperial movement in Vietnam. Writers and political thinkers idealised women who rebelled against social norms. Women figures from history were similarly celebrated. The Trung sisters struggle against Chinese domination was highlighted in a play by Phan Boi Chau. Trieu Au, who had also struggled against the Chinese, was revered and glorified. After the US involvement in Vietnam War grew in 1960s, women were portrayed as brave rebels and fighters who participated in combat. They were urged to join the struggle as the casualties mounted through the war. Women helped in nursing the wounded, constructing underground tunnels and rooms and fighting the enemy. Women also guarded 2500 strategic points on the Ho Chi Minh trail and kept open 2195 km of roads. Between 1965 and 1975, of the 17,000 youth who worked on the trail, 70-80 percent were women. Towards the end of the conflict, the role of women shifted towards being agricultural and factory workers.

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Hi,

Women played a crucial role in the anti-imperial struggle in Vietnam. Women who rebelled against social conventions were idealised and rebel women of the past were likewise celebrated. Trieu Au was a popular figure in nationalist tales. In the 1960s, women were represented as brave soldiers and workers. They assisted in nursing wounded soldiers, constructing underground tunnels and fighting the enemy. Interestingly, between 1965 and 1975, 70-80% of the youth working on the Ho Chi Minh trail were women.

Compared to this very direct and active participation of Vietnamese women in the anti-imperial struggle, India women did not play a very dynamic role in the nationalist struggle of India against Great Britain. They followed Gandhian ideals of boycotting foreign goods and picketing liquor shops, but mainstream politics was controlled by men; although women like Sarojini Naidu, Kamla Nehru and Kasturba Gandhi were keenly involved.

Hope this helps!

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