The Resistance, however great might have been the courage of the men, would not have been possible without women: their functions were less flashy, but no less essential. There is no comparison between the participation of women in the fight for the Risorgimento and that for national liberation. It was then a matter, except for the insurrectional days in the cities and the popular revolts, of a few chosen ones, of shining examples, but not of mass phenomena.

“A fundamental characteristic of the women in the Resistance, which was one of the most vital elements of the war of liberation, is precisely its collective, almost anonymous character; its having as protagonist not some exceptional beings, but the wide masses, belonging to the most varied strata of the population; its being born, not from the will of a few, but from the spontaneous initiative of the many.” [1]

The first partisan couriers and spies were women. Initially they brought, along with assistance in the form of food and clothing, news from home and information on enemy movements. Quite quickly this spontaneous work became organized, and every detachment created its own couriers, which specialized in shuttling between the city centers and the command of the partisan units.

[…]

It’s impossible to cite and recall all of their names. We needed the assistance of hundreds and hundreds of them, their initiative, their care and their courage. Medals were given to partisans and fighters, and to intriguers as well; but little or nothing was given to the women of the Resistance. But all those who know them will forever carry in their hearts the memory of what they were; to the couriers, to the nurses, to all the female partisans goes the imperishable affection of the Garibaldini.