Sandino's Daughters: Testimonies of Nicaraguan women in Struggle is a book by Margaret Randall, a feminist poet, a writer, and a social activist, published in 1981. The book demonstrates clear accounts of events that took place in Nicaragua and the role women played in the struggle of achieving Nicaragua as it is today. The country underwent through various storms of desperation since the regimes that were in power never minded about the welfare of the people. The dynasties that were holding power at the time did little and at times nothing to check on the deteriorating conditions of living of people, and this led to a lot of suffering since the economic situation of the nation was worsening. The financial aspect of the society was also being affected. All areas of developed in the country worsened, and the Nicaraguan nation was forced to heavily over-rely on borrowing from other nations.
The ruling dynasty was too powerful in the region and had many links to most of the backyards a situation that made it impossible to be overthrown. The dynasty registered the worst economic records for the country and which had never been witnessed even among the neighboring nations in history. Women in the society combined efforts even through different stages of opposition and dismembering and forged unions that were aimed at rescuing the nation from the hands of the oppressive dynasty. Through a lot of determination, courage and various stages of perseverance the women were able to come together and form associations and fronts that played a role in saving the nation from the jaws of economic degradation. The women in the society silently engaged in silent and peaceful resistance where they formed various fronts and registered as many women as possible who worked day and night to ensure that a day of freedom would be witnessed in Nicaragua.
The state of the country was one of the worst in the region registering the lowest Gross National Product ever. Levels of unemployment were so high, while economic growth was retrogressing, and the cost of living was at uncontrollable levels making life unbearable for the people. The society could not afford the medication, thus exposing the majority to diseases which led to increased rates of mortality. Randal notes "In 1993, the Gross National Product was the least in the region standing at 0.3 billion dollars while the growth rate was at -0.3 %, while foreign debt rose to 11 billion dollars (45). After many years of silent struggle, the women of the Nicaraguan society achieved what was considered as a milestone towards economic and social freedom, where the nation was reclaimed. The women in society were able to achieve what was termed as an important milestone towards securing freedom of the people. After the successful struggle by women, the society changed for better where those women became pillars of strength. The members of the society could freely form associations including gay societies which could not exist before. Many non-governmental institutions were formed which some were headed by women. The economic situation of the country was also restored where the whole society was seen to be inspired and envisioned by the women.
The author's central point is to show the struggles which were forged and articulated by women in society. Randall suggests that women formed silent struggles that were aimed at rescuing the country from careless leaders who never minded the welfare of the society. Randall is keen to observe that initially women were not united for a common cause but at this point, they noted the importance of combining forces and forming a strong turf that would help solve the problems that were being witnessed in the society. Randall asserts "Women in various political persuasions have been able to work together in parliamentary commission" (72). Women took a surprise role that no one knew they could, a role that took the nation to the next level in development. The author also tries to show how the society tried to form a socialistic change; women were supported from all corners of the nation, where they were motivated to move forward to achieve the change.
The point of the book is to show how women can play important roles that can help better the society. The author shows women who become pillars of strength in society and whose contribution play an important role in the betterment of society. Randall tries to inform the audience that women can take up roles which may be assumed to be for men like forming resistance associations and from which they resolved agendas of overthrowing an oppressive dynasty. The author decided to write the book to show that women can play important roles in the society that can contribute to the developmental agenda.
The author successfully used simple language that effectively carried a lot of facts which were aided with figures and evidence support the arguments. The author also compares the time before the oppressive dynasty rose to power and the changes that took place and also what transpired after the dynasty was overthrown to show the contributions that were achieved at the time. The author should have improved on some areas showing the steps women took when they came together in a kind of steps instead of showing only the results without telling what happened in the resistance fronts. Some questions that arose would include; why did the author ignore the contribution that some men played. Why did the author not include some instances that show various ways in which women showed perseverance?
A topic that I wish the author could have developed more is to show how the society at large support women in the process of silent struggle since it was not solely a contribution of women, some players come in even if they might have had minor contributions. Including those aspects would make one understand the hidden role society played while trying to form a socialistic change. Also would make the audience know how society is appreciating change by supporting the contribution of women in society. The book is related to our coursework since it shows various stages of struggle in society. The book evaluates the changing gender roles in society especially in Latin America when women are actively taking part in the struggle. I learned that women could play important roles in the society when given a chance and while the society at large supports them. Women should be allowed to give their contribution to matters of decision making and development.