Have you ever wondered why we know so little about the women who took part in the Greek War of Independence of 1821? Bouboulina, Manto Mavrogenous and the Souliot women make up the familiar trio of female figures taught in school, while the patriarchal narrative has been so dominant that historiography remained largely unquestioned for nearly two centuries after 1821—not even by women themselves.
Even today, gender-focused historical research remains limited, as primary sources are scarce and early historical records were overwhelmingly shaped by male historians.
Journalist Evgenia Katoufa, without claiming the mantle of historian or author—as she herself notes—conducted many years of on-site research in archives, libraries, galleries, folk songs and available bibliography, and wrote a book on the contribution of women to the struggle for independence. Her work demonstrates that the revolution could not have taken place without them.
On this episode of “Historical Walks, Evgenia Katoufa takes us on a journey across Greece and beyond, recounting—with names and roles—stories and legends of women who fought alongside men as well as independently, supporting the revolution in every possible way. The program is enriched with excerpts from historical sources and folk songs that celebrate women’s achievements.
Produced and presented by Marilena Katsimi