Federated Legion of Women

Federated Legion of Women
Légion des Fédérées
Proclamation of the "first company of volunteer citizen women", signed by Jules Montels [fr] (Murailles politiques françaises, 1874[1]).
Active	10–28 May 1871
Country	France
Allegiance	Paris Commune
Branch	National Guard
Type	Battalion
Size	20-100
Garrison/HQ	12th arrondissement
Commanders
Colonel	Adélaïde Valentin
Captain	Louise Neckbecker

The Federated Legion of Women (French: légion des Fédérées) was an armed unit composed of women active during the Paris Commune in May 1871. It was founded in the 12th arrondissement, with the intended mission of hunting down deserters. The legion had uniforms, parades, and a standard-bearer, and was led by two officers, Colonel Adélaïde Valentin and Captain Louise Neckbecker. There were an estimated 20-100 members, most from working-class backgrounds. They held and attended meetings in Parisian political clubs, where they incited citizens to take up arms. After the defeat of the Commune, arrested members were given heavy sentences, including forced labour and deportation.