Memories of Algeria's Freedom Struggle: “Inside the Battle of Algiers” Book Discussion
On September 18, 2017, the Wilson Center Africa Program, Middle East Program, and the Women in Public Service Project in partnership with Just World Books hosted Mme. Zohra Drif, a key figure in the Algerian independence movement most notable for her role in the 1957 Battle of Algiers. Mme. Drif discussed the launch of the English translation of her book, Inside the Battle of Algiers, and her role in the critical turning point of the eight-year struggle for independence from France.
Dr. Monde Muyangwa, Africa Program Director, gave opening remarks and noted how women’s involvement in liberation movements is often forgotten and the importance of sharing their stories. Dr. David Ottaway, Wilson Center Middle East Program Fellow, moderated the discussion which began with Mme. Drif recounting her life under French colonial rule, detailing the discrimination and struggles native Algerians faced under French rule which emboldened her participation in the freedom fight. Her book is intended reach audiences beyond Algeria and North Africa and provides lessons for activism and freedom struggles globally.
This event was livetweeted. Follow the Africa Program Twitter account @AfricaUpClose
Speaker
Moderator
Former Washington Post Middle East Correspondent
Hosted By
Africa Program
The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations. Read more
Global Women's Leadership Initiative
The Global Women’s Leadership Initiative has hosted the Women in Public Service Project at the Wilson Center since June, 2012. The Women in Public Service Project will accelerate global progress towards women’s equal participation in policy and political leadership to create more dynamic and inclusive institutions that leverage the full potential of the world’s population to change the way global solutions are forged. Read more
Middle East Program
The Wilson Center’s Middle East Program serves as a crucial resource for the policymaking community and beyond, providing analyses and research that helps inform US foreign policymaking, stimulates public debate, and expands knowledge about issues in the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Read more