what kind of struggle we are waging, with whom we fight, and against whom,
what are the reasons for our struggle, what are our aims, and why we
chose an armed struggle as the only means to independence. We explain
the work we are doing and the results we have achieved so far. We
explain how we are dependent to a certain extent on foreign aid and which
countries and organisations are helping us, and that, despite this help,
we must be as self-reliant as possible.
In this connection, it is stressed that the success of the revolution
depends on the combined efforts of everyone such that no one can be
omitted, and thus the traditional rather "passive" role of women must be
changed so that their abilities are used to the full. Women are encouraged to give their opinions in meetings, to participate in the various
committees, etc. Here we have the rather difficult task of fighting
old prejudices that women's functions should be confined to cooking,
rearing children, etc.  It has been proved that we women can perform
this task of mobilisation and education better than the men for two
reasons. Firstly, it is easier for us to approach other women, and
secondly, the men are more easily convinced of the important role of
women when confronted with the unusual sight of confident and capable
female militants who are themselves the best examples of what they are
propounding,,  However, our activities are directed equally at the men and
the presence of emancipated women bearing arms often shames them, into
taking more positive action.
In order to achieve self-sufficiency in the liberated areas, we explain
to the people that agricultural production must be increased, not only
for themselves but also to help feed the army, as the first duty of the
guerrillas is fighting and thus they cannot always cultivate enough to
supply their basesc We also need extra supplies to assist our comrades
in the zones of advance where the constant military activity and the
presence of enemy troops make regular agricultural production difficult.
There is no question of persuading the people to participate in the war
effort but they have to be explained the political basis and implications of the revolution, and while well aware that they themselves have
certain important responsibilities in the struggle, they need guidance as
to which particular fields they should work in.  Once the people are
fully aware of the situation they act without hesitation.  In addition
to increasing agricultural output, they help transport the sick and
wounded, help care for the sick, help transport war material and organise
themselves into militants*
In addition to its political work, the women's detachment also has
extensive duties in the field of social welfarec We assist and give
comfort to families who have lost relatives in the war.  This is
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