Déportées

"Déportées" is a French term that translates to "deported women" or "women deportees." It specifically refers to women who were forcibly removed from their homes or countries and sent to another location, often under duress or as a consequence of political, social, or military actions. The term gained particular prominence in the context of World War II, when it was used to describe women sent to Nazi concentration camps, forced labor camps, or deported for various other reasons, including racial persecution, political opposition, or as part of ethnic cleansing.

The experience of déportées varied greatly depending on the circumstances of their deportation. Those sent to concentration camps faced extreme hardship, starvation, disease, and often death. Women deported for forced labor were compelled to work under brutal conditions, contributing to the war effort of the occupying power. The term can also encompass women deported in other historical or contemporary conflicts and political purges, where women have been specifically targeted or have been subjected to mass deportations alongside men. The concept of déportées highlights the gendered impact of state-sanctioned violence and displacement, recognizing that women often faced unique challenges and vulnerabilities during such events.