She's from Fafe (a small town 15km from Guimarães) but has lived in Guimarães for almost seven decades. At the age of five, she contracted polio, a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and transformed the way she had to face life. She's part of the Braga delegation of the Portuguese Association of People with Disabilities and witnessed the birth and growth of the Municipal Forum of People with Disabilities in Guimarães. It's 20 years of a shared history, but it's Rosa Mota Guimarães' story that we're going to tell now.
She was born in Freitas, a village in the municipality of Fafe where there was no running water or electricity, and people lived solely from agriculture. "Those who owned land cultivated it, and those who didn't tried to cultivate on other people's land who didn't want to cultivate," Rosa Guimarães begins to describe. Her father had seen the world in a handful of years as an immigrant, and her mother, 14 years younger, also saw that the world the village presented didn't offer a future for a daughter with polio and the resulting physical sequelae in her gait. "The house where I lived was indeed very old, without water or electricity, and where my siblings and I studied by the light of an oil lamp, and water was brought in clay pitchers on our heads or shoulders," Rosa Guimarães recalls. "People had a very difficult life, with a lot of poverty; the kids walked barefoot in winter, went to school barefoot on frosty days, and most of the time, adults also walked barefoot," she adds. These people only had wooden clogs left, whose noise, she remembers, she heard to the rhythm of the church bells that still come to her mind to musicalize the memory of those times. It was at the age of five that Rosa Guimarães, the only girl among five siblings, had infantile paralysis, and because of this disease, she spent two years living in Porto, away from her parents, to undergo treatments. Everything had to be paid for; there was no National Health System before the 25th of April, and healthcare was the responsibility of families. There were no hospitals or doctors spread throughout the country, nor guaranteed access for all Portuguese. And it was with great difficulty that Rosa Guimarães' parents managed to ensure the necessary therapies for her. "We ate what came from the land; the animals were fed with products from the land. And my parents, although they didn't have many economic means, did everything possible to take me to a specialist in Porto who treated these diseases, and the doctor recommended a treatment that could only be done in his office," recalls the teacher. Those were difficult years that take her back to the beautiful view from the window of the Douro River, which helped alleviate the longing for the distant family and forget the smell of mattresses airing out on the doorsteps of the many people who passed away at home. "My 'favorite sport' was to sit in a sort of marquee and watch the boats, the movement at the Customs House, and sit at the door of the house where I lived to appreciate the lives of people, who also lived very poorly. I noticed that many people were dying because they put the mattresses outside the door and disinfected them with those things that smelled throughout the street," she describes. After the first phase of treatments, at the age of seven, with some autonomy, she returned home and went to school, which was almost three kilometers away, a distance she covered on foot. "My mother helped me in the hardest part of the journey, because it was a part full of water with lots of mud, and then I went alone. Sometimes my older brother also helped me because he went to the same school," she reveals. Other times, she negotiated with her classmates for help with homework in exchange for company on the way back. "They would say, 'We have to go fast to do homework,' and I would say, 'But then let's go slowly, and I'll help you with homework.' And so I had company almost all the way home," she clarifies. In the playground, all the mixed children gathered to play, and on very cold days, they warmed themselves by the bonfire fueled by leftover firewood. "We made a very big bonfire because the kids came barefoot from the frost, and we warmed ourselves there before going into the school," she recalls. It was with slate and pen in hand that she reached the 4th grade. She remembers the smudges on the lined sheets due to her lack of skill in using the inkwell. "I thought I couldn't do any agricultural tasks, and my parents thought so too, so they thought about giving me a profession," she admits. Rosa Guimarães' mother would have liked her to be a seamstress, but she wanted to be a teacher, so her parents did everything they could to fulfill that wish. "My cousin and I went to high school, but we had to find a place to live in Guimarães," she recalls. She arrived in Guimarães at the age of 11. She visited her parents during the Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays because public transportation to the village was scarce. "In high school, I felt different from the city girls; we didn't dress like them, we wore poorer clothes, didn't wear as much clothing. I remember my parents making me clothes to come here, school-type clothes, made by a very good seamstress in the village, but it was just clothes," she says. In the house where she was staying, there were very interesting people who read a lot, and it was within this family that she learned to read and write. She completed the 5th grade and immediately wanted to take the teaching course because she wanted to "be economically independent as soon as possible" and stop "sacrificing" her parents who spent a lot of money on her. In Braga, she had to go to a Health Delegate because of her physical mobility problems. "I was very surprised. By chance, I didn't go alone; I went with the lady from the house where I was staying, and the man told me to undress from top to bottom to see if I had the capacity to teach. It was something that cost me a lot, but I began to realize that things weren't easy," she confesses. In the Teaching Institute, she found a stern and closed environment but a lot of camaraderie from her colleagues to overcome some difficult moments she went through, notably, the death of a brother. After finishing the course, she decided to apply for a position in Guimarães and was placed in a school that she considered "almost the same" as the school she attended. "The students were also barefoot, hungry, there was no cafeteria, and they went home, or they took a piece of bread and stayed like that all day," she says. "I left the Teaching Institute, the following year I was immediately placed in an isolated school, with no one, with about 40 students from 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th grades, and I had to manage. There was no one, no maid, we had to clean the classroom, do the necessary cleaning, and on the first day of school, we had to enroll the kids," she lists. She was helped by a neighbor from the school who taught her the procedures and recommended her to be tough on the kids. Rosa Guimarães says that this lady's help was invaluable, but as a supporter of the Modern School Movement, she did not follow the last advice. "Then the following year I changed schools; I went to the school where that lady worked, and there, as there were many students, there began to be a morning class and an afternoon class, and I could have lunch before coming; I no longer had to go hungry," she says, laughing. Her journey as a teacher was made alongside the social and cultural journey that increasingly became intertwined with the political desire for a democratic regime, based on freedom. She mingled with Santos Simões, frequented the Raúl Brandão Rehearsal Theater (TERB) of the Circle of Art and Recreation, and it was there that she met her husband, Joaquim Guimarães, with whom she had two daughters. In addition to parenthood and marriage, she shared with him the ideals of a free country and a group of friends that reminded her of April 25th as an important milestone in the social and political life of all Portuguese. She was pregnant but celebrated this day from the moment her husband heard about the revolution on the radio. She was concerned about the hunger of the children, and one of the immediate individual actions with the change of regime was to start giving, in addition to the milk package, boiled eggs to the students to ward off hunger. This decision came out of the meeting held with the parents a few days after this day in 1974, as important as it was symbolic of the will and strength of the people in freedom. She was widowed early. The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) her husband had sharpened her desire to fight for the rights of people with disabilities, a cause she defended from the 1980s by participating in the founding of the Braga delegation of the Portuguese Association of People with Disabilities (APD). At this time, she also served on the Parish Council of S. Paio, in Guimarães. It was in 2003 that she began to represent the district delegation of Braga of the APD at the Municipal Forum of People with Disabilities in Guimarães, when this informal group for debate, consultation, and information was established, created within the scope of the International Year of People with Disabilities. Rosa Mota Guimarães actively participates in all activities to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Domingos Bragança, the Mayor of Guimarães, delivers the usual speech surrounded by members of the Municipal Forum of People with Disabilities in Guimarães next to the façade of the Guimarães municipality. "We always had a sports competition here in Guimarães in the city center, a wheelchair race," recalls Rosa Guimarães. The Forum emerged to bring together people and entities "who were concerned and involved in the area of disability." "We didn't want to institutionalize too much, but we wanted a closer relationship with the municipality to hold it more accountable," says the representative of the APD. For those who may know her but are not attentive to the serenity and discretion she manifests, they miss out on her free spirit and aversion to injustices that quickly become apparent with a little conversation. Sensitivity is another characteristic of Rosa Guimarães, a woman ahead of her time, a difficult time for all people but even more difficult for all women.
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During the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, the heroism of Ukrainian women fleeing to Poland with their children shines brightly. Forced to leave their homes and loved ones behind due to the conflict, these women display immense courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges they face, Ukrainian women prioritize the safety and well-being of their children above all else. With determination and understanding, they navigate the complexities of displacement and ensure that their families find refuge in neighboring countries like Poland. Their acts of heroism extend beyond their own families as they support and uplift fellow refugees, offering comfort and assistance during uncertain times. In the midst of chaos and turmoil, the heroism of Ukrainian women fleeing to Poland with their children serves as a testament to the strength and courage of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Their unwavering determination to protect their families and rebuild their lives is truly inspirational, showcasing the resilience and endurance of the Ukrainian people. Despite the fear and uncertainty surrounding them, these women continue to demonstrate unwavering resolve and compassion, providing a beacon of hope for others in similar situations. As they embark on this arduous journey, Ukrainian women carry with them not only their physical belongings but also the hopes and dreams of a brighter future for their children. Their sacrifices and struggles are a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict, yet through it all, they remain steadfast in their resolve to create a better life for themselves and their loved ones. Their bravery and resilience in the face of such adversity are a source of inspiration for us all, highlighting the power of the human spirit to endure and overcome even the most challenging of circumstances. On April 12, 2024, the Final International Conference of the WORTH project - Women in Resistance in the 20th Century took place at the Sala Grande - Casa di Quartiere Katia Bertasi, Bologna. The occasion aimed to raise awareness and increase our understanding of the role women played during resistance movements in the 20th century. The conference lasted approximately 2 hours, scheduled from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Among the participants of this event was Manuela Marsano from the Contact Point CERV, who began with a presentation on the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV program), which aims to protect and promote the rights and values of the European Union. Teresa Barboni from YouNet provided a presentation on the WORTH project and the work carried out. Following that, A.N.PI delivered a speech on remembering the Italian Resistance against the Italian fascist regime and the subsequent Nazi occupation during World War II, highlighting the active role women played in this struggle. The day concluded with the presentation of the project's results by the partners. Partners from Poland, Romania, Portugal, and Slovenia came to Bologna, each giving a speech about their work and showcasing videos and stories from the Human Library Catalogue and Urban Trekking Tour. The day ended with a final speech and gratitude from YouNet. Meet Marta Slapar, a remarkable figure in Slovenian history whose journey from a small town to pioneering pharmaceutical advancements is nothing short of inspiring.
Born Marta Gizela Jožefina Mušič in Nova mesto in 1907, Slapar's brilliance in natural sciences, particularly botany and languages, was evident from a young age. Her passion for learning led her to pursue pharmacy studies in Zagreb, graduating in 1930. Slapar's professional odyssey began in Novo mesto before she ventured to Slovenj Gradac in Carinthia with her husband. Amidst the turbulence of World War II, Slapar and her family returned to Novo mesto, where she actively participated in the National liberation struggle alongside her husband. In the post-war era, Slapar's dedication to her craft shone brightly as she assumed roles of increasing responsibility. From serving as a pharmacist's clerk to managing the pharmacy at Novo mesto hospital, Slapar's expertise was unmatched. By 1952, she was appointed as the head of the Dolenjska branch of the Slovenian Pharmaceutical Society, further cementing her position as a leader in her field. However, it was in 1954 that Slapar etched her name in history as one of the founders of the renowned Krka pharmaceutical factory in Novi Mesto. Taking charge of the professional division, she spearheaded the development of cutting-edge industrial technology for medicine production. Under her guidance, Krka not only excelled in production but also embarked on a path to international recognition. Slapar's visionary leadership paved the way for Krka's global outreach, as she initiated collaborations with foreign institutions and factories. Her commitment to excellence extended beyond production, as she mentored aspiring pharmacists and contributed to groundbreaking research and development initiatives. Moreover, Slapar's influence extended to establishing a dedicated institute for scientific research, a testament to her unwavering commitment to advancing pharmaceutical innovation. Marta Slapar's legacy transcends borders, her contributions leaving an indelible mark on the pharmaceutical landscape. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and pioneering spirit. Marija Tomšič's life is a testament to dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit in the field of nursing. Born on December 10, 1907, in Postojna, she was raised in modest circumstances alongside eleven siblings in Novo Mesto. Despite financial constraints, Marija's family ensured education for all their children, instilling in them values of hard work and perseverance.
Marija's journey into nursing began with her enrollment in a school for nursing sisters at the Institute for Social Hygiene and Child Protection in Ljubljana in 1927. Her commitment and academic excellence led to her graduation with honors in 1929. She then embarked on a career marked by a tireless dedication to patient care and the advancement of nursing education. Throughout the 1930s, Marija held various positions, including that of a school sister and instructional nurse, where she supervised trainees and contributed to the development of nursing curriculum and textbooks. Her passion for teaching and patient care earned her recognition and respect within the nursing community. The outbreak of World War II presented challenges, but Marija remained steadfast in her commitment to serving others. Amidst the turmoil of war, she continued her work, providing support to schoolgirls and activists of the Liberation Front in Ljubljana. Following the war, Marija's contributions to nursing took on a new dimension as she played a pivotal role in addressing the severe shortage of professional staff in Novo Mesto. Her appointment as head nurse of the surgical department at Novo Mesto Hospital in 1946 marked a significant milestone in her career. Under her leadership, the hospital's nursing staff received comprehensive training, laying the groundwork for the development of healthcare education in the region. Marija's impact extended beyond the hospital walls. She was actively involved in the social life of nurses, advocating for their rights and well-being. Her efforts led to the establishment of the Novo Mesto subcommittee of the Nurses' Association of Slovenia, where she served as president for seven years. Throughout her life, Marija remained dedicated to her profession and community. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of nurses, reminding us of the transformative power of compassion, education, and leadership in healthcare. Women played an important role in the Resistance age: they collaborated with the fighters and collected medicines, clothes and food for the partisans ; some of them were aslo in charge of hiding the wanted men.
Teresa Vergalli, one of them, tells that one day, during her second year of high school, she was suddenly told she could no longer attend classes because of the bombing. Her father advised her to stay safe at home but her aversion to the violence, the ravings, the killings, made her want to become a staffetta ( nickname of the females resistents). She used to connect the partisan formations hidden in the mountains by delivering them messages with her bike that she used to ride every day for 20 km at least. She also accompanied them, told them the ways to take on order to avoid checkpoints, carried verbal informations, operational orders etc. On scraps of paper folded up and hidden in ther braids, she would write a list of expenses, requests for supplies or reports on the outcome of an ambush. Sometimes she would even carry a small newspaper that the Garibaldina formations managed to print, hidden in a bag along with the potatoes. Her battle name was Annuska and during an interview she stated that "between '43 and '44 we had organised a dense network of women. Then there were also the armed female gappistas, who took part in attacks and captured prisoners, just like the men." Carla Angelini was a brilliant second-year medical student at La Sapienza University in Rome when, after the Armistice, the city was occupied by the Nazi-Fascists. Her commitment to the Resistance was immediate. Carla divided her time between being a staffetta and working in the information service of the clandestine Communist Party. Directed by the career captain of the Engineer Corps and first commander of the central GAP Luciano Lusana, the office operates in close connection with the Clandestine Military Front. Each mission was high risk due to the presence of republican spies infiltrating the partisan organisation. At the beginning of 1944, the Roman Resistance suffered a severe blow: on January 28, she was contacted by an alleged comrade but she sniffed out the trap. She barely made it in time to warn her parents, allowing them to transfer to another hiding place some renegades to the Graziani ban and a friend who had escaped the SS. While her sister Franca managed to warn the other comrades, Carla was taken to Via Tasso, the headquarters of the Nazi command. She remained prisoned for a month and, despite numerous interrogations, Carla managed not to speak. At the end of February, she was transferred to Regina Coeli. On 4 June, when Rome was liberated, Carla was released from prison. After the war Carla will become a well-known psychiatrist. Acknowledged as a partisan fighter with the rank of second lieutenant, she will be decorated with the Silver Medal of the Military Service, as reported by sources. The ANPI archives contain the motivation for the Bronze Medal, awarded to her on 14 February 1958. Carla Angelini died in 1995. Abstract: The potlatch term belongs to classical anthropological vocabulary. In the context of absence of the market economy, the potlatch phenomenon ensures the goods exchange. The phenomenon is also a prestige indicator in a society that doesn’t have a financial instrument to signal welfare differences. The private parties in communist Romania can be considered occasions for manifesting a potlatch behaviour. Food excesses at private parties in a period of imposed austerity can be considered ways of indicating prestige. These modalities are at the same time unspectacular forms of rejecting the political regime, they can be called domestic dissidences.
The present paper emphasizes the characteristic features of the potlatch phenomenon and proposes an interpretation of the Romanian’s behaviour at private parties in the previous decade of 1989, from the point of view of similarities with this phenomenon. Some historical landmarks
In 1946 Romania organized elections and with the support of Russian troops stationed in the country the communists won the elections for fraud . The Romanians were surprised by the results because there were few communist supporters among the people. Back then, they believed that the Western democratic powers would not tolerate the violation of democracy and would interfere to restore natural order. Some officers of the Romanian army considered it their duty to lay the foundations for Western intervention. They began to collect weapons, store them in safe places, organize support networks with reliable locals and even train them. This is how the anti-communist resistance movement emerged in the mid-1940s. There were resistance groups in all the major mountain ranges of the country. The National Resistance Movement established in 1945 could have assumed such a role, but it failed because of bureaucracy and funding difficulties and was de-structured shortly thereafter. However, Western military support did not materialize. Meanwhile, the newly sworn communist regime consolidated its power. On 30 December 1947, King Michael was forced to abdicate and the former royal army went through a process of political purge. How it all began
On April 25, 1974, Portuguese society bid farewell to a dictatorship that had persisted for 48 years under the rule of António de Oliveira Salazar. At the time of the coup, led by the military, the popular support was so intense that the operation's commanders couldn't contain the euphoria that swept through the streets of Lisbon. Squares were occupied, the meager government military forces were jeered, and people offered support and food to the rebels, celebrating the prospect of freedom and wielding carnations instead of weapons. |
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