the Armenian Genocide
The Role of Armenian Women
The systematic brutality of the Armenian Genocide aimed at the very erasure of Armenian identity and existence. Yet, amidst the unimaginable horrors and the deliberate silencing of a people, voices of profound resilience and unwavering remembrance emerged. Crucially, Armenian women writers stepped forward as vital keepers of cultural memory and powerful articulators of the Armenian experience, particularly the often-untold suffering and strength of women. Through their poignant poems, compelling prose, and deeply personal accounts, they meticulously documented the atrocities, ensuring that the voices of survivors – especially those of women – would not be extinguished by the tide of violence. Their literary contributions became acts of profound resistance, safeguarding the precious Western Armenian language and the very essence of Armenian identity in the face of near annihilation. These writings offer unique and invaluable insights into the multifaceted impact of the Genocide, illuminating the crucial roles women played not only as victims but also as tenacious agents of survival and the enduring custodians of their culture and heritage. The resilience of the Armenian spirit, a testament to the strength and determination of individuals and communities, finds a powerful echo in the enduring words of these remarkable women writers. See our Exhibit B: Women & The Genocide