Women During the Revolution

Irritated by the sphere of influence the United States had in Mexico, many peasants sought to remove Porfirio from power. Women, or soldaderas, were part of this category. They were fighting to force Porfirio out of office, but they were also urging for social reforms. Some enlisted, seeking to avenge the death of a relative, while others simply did not want to leave their husbands. Still, not all women participated willingly; some were kidnapped and forced to fight.

Soldaderas worked for both the federals and rebels, and they fought alongside men. Women from all walks of life came to join, as wealth and education were unimportant since a variety of tasks could be completed by a woman. These tasks included finding food, cooking, caring for the wounded, washing, fighting in battle, serving as messengers, spying, carrying ammunition, sewing, writing, and plotting against the enemy.

Though this was a time lacking the severe social restraints once present, women still had to encounter a great deal of hardship. Though they were working in the armies, they were required to provide for their families. It was not uncommon for a women to give birth to a child while serving; pregnancy did not excuse a woman from her familial or military duties.

Discrimination during this time period certainly existed. Women were only paid for their duties as long as they had no male relative that was serving in the army.

Tadeo, Karla. "The Soldareras of the Mexican Revolution." Slideshare.net. Web.
25 Apr. 2010. the-soldareras-of-the-mexican-revolution>.