Malika Gaïd – From Caregiver to Revolutionary Fighter
Malika Gaïd, an Algerian nurse-midwife and *moudjahida*, dedicated her medical skills to the Revolution. From her training to her commitment in the Wilaya III *maquis*, discover the story of a young woman whose courage and sacrifice reflect the role of women in Algeria’s struggle for independence.
Born on August 24, 1933, in Belouizdad, Malika Gaïd was an Algerian midwife, nurse, and moudjahida whose life reflects the important role played by women during the Algerian War of Liberation. Trained to care for others, she chose to put her medical skills at the service of the Revolution and the fighters of the National Liberation Army.
A Childhood Shaped by Independence Ideals
Malika Gaïd grew up in a family committed to the ideals of independence. After completing her early education in Algiers and then Bordj Bou Arreridj, she continued her training at the paramedical school in Sétif, which she entered in 1948.
In 1951, she obtained her nursing and midwifery qualification. She subsequently worked in several regions of Algeria, including Kherrata, Bougaa, and Guenzet. Through her profession, she gained valuable medical experience that would prove essential a few years later.
From Caregiver to Fighter
Even before joining the maquis, Malika Gaïd supported the moudjahidine, particularly by providing them with medicines.
In 1955, following the call of Colonel Amirouche Aït Hamouda, she joined the maquis and became part of the National Liberation Army (ALN) in Wilaya III. Her commitment then took on a new dimension: she used her medical knowledge to treat wounded fighters and provide care under extremely difficult conditions.
In 1956, she also attended the Soummam Congress, a major event in the organization of the struggle for Algeria’s independence.
A Commitment That Led to Sacrifice
Malika Gaïd continued her commitment alongside the fighters until 1957. In June of that year, at just 24 years old, she was killed near M’Chedallah, in a cave that had been turned into a makeshift hospital to treat wounded fighters.
Until her final moments, she remained alongside those she had chosen to care for and support. Her story illustrates another dimension of women’s participation in the Revolution: that of a caregiver, but also a committed fighter alongside the ALN.
A Legacy That Lives On
Through her life, Malika Gaïd embodies the courage and sacrifice of an entire generation of Algerian women who took part in the War of Liberation.
From paramedical school to the maquis, she transformed her medical knowledge into a true commitment to freedom. She died at just 24, leaving behind the memory of a young woman who chose to remain faithful to her convictions until the very end.
Her story also helps preserve the memory of the many women of the Revolution who cared, supported, resisted, and fought, each in their own way, for Algeria’s independence.
