Reflections on Women of 1915

A few days ago, we had the opportunity to watch a truly inspiring documentary that moved us deeply: Women of 1915, directed by Bared Maronian. Unlike many other films related to this dark chapter of the Armenian history, this one shifts the focus from the atrocities and horrors, to the heroic contribution of women in times of great upheaval. We were so impressed by this unique approach that we decided to delve into the filmmaker’s background and explore his vision behind creating such an enlightening film. What follows are some of our reflections, stemming from both our viewing of the film and the insights we gained through our research.

One of the central themes of the film is the acknowledgement of Armenian women as the main pillars of the nation. They were the silent force that kept the nation alive through its darkest times. Across years of immense suffering, Armenian women demonstrated extraordinary strength and resilience, in their efforts to preserve the Armenian culture and ensure a future for the next generations. In this documentary, Bared Maronian focuses on the experiences of the female population and retells history through their perspective. The material presented is so original that in some cases the producers even had to search through old shoeboxes, where women used to hide photographs, letters or stories that they didn’t want to be discovered.

However, Armenian women weren’t alone in this fierce, ongoing battle. Non- Armenian women from around the world, who couldn’t stand watching the systematic violence, united all together and risked their lives to help the Armenian population. Nurses, missionaries and volunteers abandoned the safety of their own homes and selflessly provided medical care, food and other essential supplies to those in need. Some built orphanages for children, while others documented the atrocities committed against Armenians, ensuring that these crimes would never be forgotten. The film strongly highlights that female solidarity knows no borders; in the face of violence and suffering, women have always become a shield for the vulnerable.

The film also reminds us that Armenian women were not just survivors. They silently endured the loss of loved ones, deportation and imprisonment, but still managed to gather their pieces, protect their children, built new homes and pass on their heritage to the next generations. They actually shaped the future and managed to keep the Armenian culture alive through storytelling, teaching the Armenian language, singing songs and prayers or even cooking traditional dishes in their homes.

One such striking example portrayed in the documentary is that of Victoria Artinian, Steve Job’s grandmother. Forced to leave her homeland, she immigrated to the United States, where she made sure to raise her family according to the Armenian culture and traditions. It is no surprise that Steve Jobs—founder of Apple and one of the greatest technological innovators of our time— was brought up by a woman who was the epitome of resilience, perseverance and vision. Her reference in the film illustrates that she wasn’t just a survivor, but one of the many Armenian women who shaped the future and made history, without realizing it at the time.

In conclusion, Women of 1915 is not just a historical documentary. It’s a tribute to all women who demonstrated incredible strength and courage in order to safeguard the Armenian culture, whether they were Armenian or not. These women came together as a single force, defied the atrocities and created a better future for the generations that followed. By honoring them, we acknowledge the vital role that they played not only in preserving but also in shaping the history of the Armenian nation.