It is impossible to explain the heroism of Eritrean mothers in a few words. They are teachers of patriotism. They struggled for the independence, sent their children to the war fronts and initiate others. Empowering their organizations, the women activated in the internal operations during difficult stages of the revolution. They pass messages, collect and save pamphlets and explosives, provided to refuge fighters and directly participate in the military revolutionary operations. History has recorded all these.

Many of them were exposed to imprisonment and beatings, and mental and physical disabilities. Other many were killed during the revolutionary operation.

Eritrean women were the back bone of the revolution. They send every fit child to the battle field without even knowing the whereabouts of the previous ones. Even though they knew death or disability might occur, they sent their beloved children for the objective, the revolution.

Eritrea is now independent, respected and sovereign country because women played a great role in placing the question of Independence above all other personal wishes.

“You will never get what you wish for without giving up what you like” says Ms. Abrehet Ali, mother of four martyrs living in Elabered subzone of Anseba.

Ms Abrehet said that she never mourned the death of her children, rather feels pride and courage for the respect from the society for being mother of the heroes. She is grateful for the aid provided by the government.

The enemy tortured her, took her cattle and destroyed her property for she sent her children to the field. She said that she feels proud of the progress on development brought by her children’s and their comrades’ martyrdom, showing the result of their death.


Kibrom Tesfaslasie died in Embaderho in 1978 and Gilazgi Tesfaselassie in Hidak in 1979. She said that she used to visit her other children Hagos Gebreyohans and Fisehaye Tesfaslassie going to the war fronts until the end of 1980s. Meeting them, added more to her courage and national love.


She remembers that her children told her, “Knowing that we might die in claiming our victory, you have the responsibility to treat every returned fighter as your own son and daughter.”


Death is the end of life. Even though it is bitter, martyrdom is an expression of unlimited love, since it is a price paid for others to live. After all, the flag is flying telling the hope of the martyrs has come real.

We always say “Eternal glory to our martyrs” for they won victory over death. This is why swearing in the name of martyrs has more power. Martyrs’ families should be proud and respected.

Ms Ferej Osman living in Hamelmalo sub zone is a mother of two martyrs. Talking about their martyrdom she says “My children like others passed away for their people. Let alone them fighting in the battle, there were many children and women killed in places called Una and Beskedira. We saw many terrible things. So I am proud of the death of my children. It is good that they are not one of those killed and slaughtered in the streets or their houses.”

Her oldest son Esmael Hamd died in the struggle for independence and the youngest Abderhim Hamd in insuring sovereignty of the country during the war with the Woyane.

The two exemplary women and their family represent the high price paid to bring freedom and sovereignty and on the other hand the steadfastness and pride of Eritrean women. So we Eritrean have high responsibility. During the past half a century, our national culture taught us not to kneel to outsiders.

It is a recent event during the development years how everyone, women specifically, reacted to the unexpected invasion of the Woyane and their allies that occurred.


Another event that proved the courage of women is the official naming of the martyrs in June 2003 after the end of Alger’s agreement and the defeat of the Woyanes.

Our mothers faced the bitterness of their children’s death with courage not with tears. Since it is not easy to death of a child, they cried. But were tears of courage.

During announcement of martyrs in Elabered, government officials, religious leaders and elders made speeches to comfort the families. At that bitter moment the mothers cried.

Ms Abrehet standing infront of the people said “listen to me; if not for the death of our children, the dergue would have left no one breathing. We all remember how tense we were till the independence on May. We all can imagine what Woyane might have done if not for the death of our children. Crying is for the defeated only, we should be proud of our victory.” Everyone stopped crying then.

Ms Abrehet has a martyr step son. In addition to this, her youngest son Dawit Mehari was in the field and is now serving in the Eritrean defense forces.

The culture of defense and courage is our existing national inheritance. Our national identity is based on strong foundation. We should take care of the culture which is an insurance of our existence, development and the greatest responsibility left by the martyrs.

Ms Abrehet has no grand children but comforts herself that independence is the fruit. But she didn’t deny her worry of some wrong doings of irresponsible citizens. She said “My wish is that the death of our children brings peace truth and justice. I feel bad seeing rich people sending their children abroad and many of them died in the desert. This is betrayal of the martyrs. The country needs someone who inherits.”

It is important to prevent the situations that loosen our nationalism and unity on time. The martyrs shouldered us great responsibility accepting death for our existence. We have the duty to pay sacrifice to carrying out their wishes. Martyrs’ Families and also Eritrean women should be respected and treated well.