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The supposed apolitical nature of women made it possible for the Sandinistas (and the Contras) to frame women’s mobilization in the revolution as selfless acts of caring for their families. This enabled women on both sides of the conflict to make…

Although the draft was imposed in 1983, a large number of Nicaraguan youth voluntarily joined the military to defend the Sandinista Revolution against the Contras. However, while we see optimistic images of brave men and women fighting for justice in…

The Patriotic Military Service was so named to appeal to Nicaraguans who wanted to defend the country against U.S. military and political intervention. According to the Sandinista’s, it was one’s patriotic duty to defend Nicaragua and the revolution…

Women were encouraged to mobilize and join the revolutionary effort. Women on both sides of the conflict were active not only as combatants, but they also took on roles such as that of messenger, radio operator, paramedic, and cook.

This image of a woman and mother in combat gear was reproduced throughout the 1980s revolutionary period in many forms to promote the Sandinista Revolution, gender equality, and women’s solidarity with the struggle. This poster depicts a new woman –…

The Sandinistas used images of motherhood in war-time posters such as these to demonstrate that the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), along with mothers, are lovingly acting to protect the Nicaraguan family. The ability to mobilize mothers…

Women were urged to support men in the revolutionary efforts, including by encouraging and supporting their male family members to enlist in the Patriotic Military Service.

Studies on women in political and social movements in Latin America suggest that mothers are able to use motherhood as an excuse or a reason to become involved in politics. As this poster indicates, Nicaraguan mothers were vital for morale in the…