Women in the Haitian Revolution

The Haitian Revolution is the only slave uprising that led to the freedom of the captive people. The Haitian colony that was ruled over by the French decided to revolt in 1791. The following revolution lasted until 1804 and ended with the native Haitian forming their own state that was free of slavery and former captives. The Haitian freedom was hard won and protected to ensure that the people of Haiti stayed independent.

Women who participated in the Haitian Revolution acted in a variety of roles. Women participated in the aspect of labor organization, refusing to perform their duties as slaves. Women also were directly involved in combat during the Revolution. Women were encouraged to and willing to pick up arms themselves to participate in the fighting, some of the women rising through the military ranks to positions of power and leadership. Women also functioned as military nurses as well as helped to carry the ammunitions and weapons. Women functioned as spies in the Revolution, gathering intel in the French colonizers against which they were fighting. Women also turned to the traditional practice of Vodou during the Revolution, using the knowledge to make medicines, poisons, as well as radicalize, inspire, and organize the rebels.