The Algerian feminist movement between nationalism, patriarchy and Islamism

It is the aim of this article to demonstrate that, despite great resistance from patriarchy, Algerian women have always played major roles in effecting change in their society. Their new roles during the struggle for Algeria's independence engaged the whole society in a process of change and evolution, and their resistance to the retrograde forces of Islamic fundamentalism and the barbarity of terrorist violence was vital for keeping the country alive, and for keeping their demands for their citizenship rights a priority. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.