Meriem Belmihoub-Zerdani

Meriem Belmihoub-Zerdani (1 April 1935 - 27 July 2021) was an Algerian independence fighter, lawyer and feminist.

Meriem Belmihoub Infirmière dans le maquis En route pour le congrès de la Soummam (cropped)

Quotes

• Women's emancipation cannot be discussed in terms of the veil and customs; instead, we must provide them jobs.
  • Meriem Belmihoub-Zerdani responds to the daily newspaper's query, "Is there a problem with Algerian women?"

• Fifty years after independence, it is disheartening to observe that women veterans remain underrepresented in this office. We stood shoulder to shoulder with men in the maquis, fighting with the same vigor and commitment. Now, we seek our rightful share, as guaranteed by the Constitution, which upholds gender equality. It is our plea that the sacrifices made by women veterans be acknowledged and represented accordingly. The struggle for equality was not limited to the battlefield, and it should reflect in the recognition of our contributions today.
  • In a 2012 speech, Meriem Belmihoub-Zerdani voiced her objection to the exclusion of women veterans from the National War Veterans' Organisation (ONM)

External links

• Meriem Belmihoub-Zerdani Biography