My Grandmother, the Anti-Fascist: ‘Jails Were Filled With Women Who Had Dared Rebel’ (Exclusive)

My Grandmother, a Courageous Anti-Fascist: ‘She Stood Up to Oppression’ (Exclusive)

In a world where standing up against bullies and tyranny takes great courage, there are unsung heroes whose stories deserve to be told. Suzanne Cope, a historian, NYU professor, and the author of the upcoming book ‘Women of War: The Italian Assassins, Spies and Couriers Who Fought the Nazis,’ uncovered a remarkable chapter of her own family history that sheds light on a fearless anti-fascist: her grandmother.

Delving into her research for ‘Women of War,’ Suzanne Cope stumbled upon a treasure trove of oral histories from Italian anti-fascist partisans who bravely resisted the Nazi occupation during World War II. One particular account that captivated her was that of Lidia, an elderly woman recounting her experiences as a partisan fighter. Lidia’s tale of courage and defiance against the Nazis left Suzanne in awe.

Lidia’s narrative resonated deeply with Suzanne, prompting her to reflect on her own heritage and the values instilled in her through her Italian American upbringing. The parallels between Lidia and her grandmother, both born in 1920 and shaped by the shadow of Mussolini’s fascist regime, sparked a newfound appreciation for her grandmother’s untold story.

Suzanne’s grandmother, Asunta Maria, migrated to the United States with her family to escape the oppressive grip of fascism in Italy. The sacrifices made by her ancestors to seek a better life in America took on a new significance as Suzanne unearthed the systemic oppression faced by women under Mussolini’s rule.

During Mussolini’s reign, women in Italy were stripped of their civil liberties and subjected to stringent gender roles and restrictions. From limited educational opportunities to enforced motherhood and political indoctrination, women found themselves marginalized and silenced under the fascist regime.

As Suzanne delved deeper into her research, she uncovered the harrowing realities of life under Mussolini’s dictatorship, from media censorship to brutal repression of dissent. The injustices suffered by women who dared to resist the authoritarian regime highlighted the courage and resilience of those who defied oppression.

Reflecting on her grandmother’s legacy of empathy, activism, and resilience, Suzanne realised the profound impact of her grandmother’s experiences on her own journey. The fiery spirit and unwavering determination of her nonna to stand up against injustice resonated in Suzanne’s own quest for social justice and gender equality.

Despite her grandmother’s passing before she could delve into her anti-fascist past, Suzanne’s research unearthed a hidden narrative of bravery and resistance that defined her family’s legacy. Through ‘Women of War,’ Suzanne honours the unsung heroines of the Italian resistance movement and continues the fight for justice that her grandmother embodied.

As Suzanne’s book ‘Women of War’ prepares for its release, it stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of women who dared to defy tyranny and oppression. By shining a light on their untold stories, Suzanne honours her grandmother’s legacy and amplifies the voices of those who fought for freedom in the face of adversity.