Femmes algériennes

Catherine Ribeiro's song "Femmes algériennes" is a powerful tribute to the strength, resilience, and unity of Algerian women. The lyrics celebrate these women as sisters of the same race, likening them to golden clusters of grapes basking in the morning sun. This imagery not only highlights their beauty but also their inherent value and potential. The song calls for the unveiling of their masks, symbolizing a break from oppression and a newfound visibility and recognition in the world.

The song continues to emphasize the courage of Algerian women, describing them as standing with their chests to the wind, using their bodies as a bulwark against all forms of fundamentalism. This metaphor underscores their role as protectors and fighters for freedom and equality. Ribeiro's call to "cross our struggles" speaks to the importance of solidarity among women, recognizing the unique treasures of their differences while also acknowledging the indifference of men towards their plight.

In the latter part of the song, Ribeiro encourages Algerian women to dare, to walk forward, and to scatter stars along their paths, portraying them as celestial bodies and angelic figures. This poetic imagery elevates their struggle to a divine level, suggesting that their fight for peace and equality is not just a personal or national issue but a universal one. The final lines of the song extend this call to all women of color and all nations, urging them to weave the scarf of peace together, symbolizing unity and collective action for a better world.