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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

maternalism, militarism, women's nonviolent resistance, military rule

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Political Science

Abstract

My analysis of women’s nonviolent resistance focused on two historical case studies. The first was the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo who opposed the military regime of 1977 in Argentina. Their nonviolent resistance began in opposition to the disappearance of family members, particularly their children. These desaparecidos were among approximately 30,000 Argentinians kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in a governmental effort to induce fear and maintain power. The second case was women’s involvement in the nonviolent Philippine Revolution of 1986 opposing the dictatorial rule of President Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos had imposed martial law since 1972. Nonviolent resistance began in response to the brutal assassination of opposition leader, Ninoy Aquino, in 1983. The resistance movement was led by Ninoy’s wife, Corazon Aquino, who eventually became president. Women from all backgrounds, particularly nuns, played a significant role in organizing nonviolent protests, including mother’s rallies, sitins, and prayer rallies.

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