Women's Demonstrations in Ljubljana in 1943

Abstract

In comparison to other places in Slovenia, in occupied Ljubljana during the Second World War there appeared certain specific forms of resistance against the occupying forces. These included demonstrations in 1943 referred to as the "women's demonstrations" because their main participants were women. The women appealed to the representatives of the Italian military and political authorities, as well as the leadership of the Ljubljana bishopric, first demanding improvement of conditions for prisoners and internees, and later their release. The demonstration movement was set in motion by general distress, and in time the efforts of Ljubljana activists within the Slovenian Liberation Front (OF) became increasingly important in providing momentum for the demonstrations. These activists took what was, at least in part, the women's spontaneous appearance and turned it into an organized movement, intensified their resistance and politicized the movement.