Public Activism as a Way of Woman’s Emancipation during the World War I (on the Example of Ukrainian Women in Galicia)

Abstract

Public activity of Ukrainian women in Galicia during the World War I was caused by social and military needs. Deployment of women’s organizations was prepared by emancipatory movements, which gained strength from the late nineteenth century in Habsburg monarchy. The main forms of public activity of Ukrainian women considered support of civil and wounded, people interned in the rear and soldiers directly in line of the front. Women combined their traditional role of cooks, nurses and teachers with new occupations of volunteers and organization leaders. Public work possessed patriotic overtones. The slogan «work of the people and for the people», which required the corresponding level of education (especially knowledge of Polish and German) became determining in social work. Activists tried to overcome illiteracy of women in order to involve them in public works. The main help of the military and civilians was made through public-private initiative of active women and public donations. The activity of Polish women was a real impetus and example for the public activities of Ukrainian Galician women. Ukrainian and Polish women’s movements were in the socio-political and cultural competition during the war. Women of both nationalities had to overcome mutual hostility and seek cooperation.
Keywords: Female, Public Activities, Emancipation, First World War, Ukrainian Galicia.