The Role of Neapolitan Women in the Italian WWII Resistance
Disciplines
European History | Italian Language and Literature | Italian Literature | Women's History
Abstract (300 words maximum)
This research focuses on the role of Neapolitan women in the Resistance, highlighting their participation in armed conflict, intelligence operations, and acts of civil defiance. The contributions of women to the Italian Resistance during World War II have often been overshadowed by the dominant narratives centered on male partisans. Using a qualitative approach that combines historical analysis, archival research, and testimonials (including letters from former partisans) this study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their impact. My panel presentation will focus primarily on the Quattro Giornate di Napoli (Four Days of Naples), a pivotal event in 1943 where civilians, including women, successfully expelled German forces before Allied troops arrived. Women played essential roles as couriers, strategists, and caregivers, often defying societal norms and risking their lives. Through my collaboration with Italian organizations and institutions, this study seeks to recover and analyze overlooked narratives that highlight their resilience and sacrifice. This research contributes to a broader understanding of gender and resistance movements by addressing historical omissions and reassessing the role of women in Italy’s fight against fascism. Findings will be used to promote a more inclusive historical record and inform discussions on the legacy of women's resistance in contemporary social and political contexts. Through archival discoveries and historical reevaluations, this study underscores the necessity of acknowledging women’s action in shaping Italy’s path to liberation.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Foreign Languages
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Federica Santini
The Role of Neapolitan Women in the Italian WWII Resistance
This research focuses on the role of Neapolitan women in the Resistance, highlighting their participation in armed conflict, intelligence operations, and acts of civil defiance. The contributions of women to the Italian Resistance during World War II have often been overshadowed by the dominant narratives centered on male partisans. Using a qualitative approach that combines historical analysis, archival research, and testimonials (including letters from former partisans) this study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their impact. My panel presentation will focus primarily on the Quattro Giornate di Napoli (Four Days of Naples), a pivotal event in 1943 where civilians, including women, successfully expelled German forces before Allied troops arrived. Women played essential roles as couriers, strategists, and caregivers, often defying societal norms and risking their lives. Through my collaboration with Italian organizations and institutions, this study seeks to recover and analyze overlooked narratives that highlight their resilience and sacrifice. This research contributes to a broader understanding of gender and resistance movements by addressing historical omissions and reassessing the role of women in Italy’s fight against fascism. Findings will be used to promote a more inclusive historical record and inform discussions on the legacy of women's resistance in contemporary social and political contexts. Through archival discoveries and historical reevaluations, this study underscores the necessity of acknowledging women’s action in shaping Italy’s path to liberation.