A number of women participated in the Patriot movement, many of whom had been raped by Italian soldiers.[6] Ethiopian women fought in combat against the Italians and took on support roles, made possible through organised women's groups. The Ethiopian Women's Voluntary Association, established in 1937, coordinated its members' work against the Italians, many of whom fought alongside the Patriots. Another organisation, the Ethiopian Women's Patriotic Union, directly aided regular Patriot forces.