During the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804), Haitian women of all social classes played indispensable, though often historically overlooked, roles in the successful fight against French colonial power—the largest and most successful slave rebellion in modern history. Prior to the revolt, enslaved Black women faced extreme gendered violence, including rape and being treated as mere objects for reproduction, often resorting to suicide. These women participated at every level of the revolution, from organizing labor strikes to actively serving in combat, echoing West African traditions.

A crucial aspect of their involvement was the use of Vodou, where priestesses (mambos) organized escaped slaves, radicalized them, and even weaponized herbal remedies and poisons. Notably, Cécile Fatiman is revered for performing a powerful Vodou ceremony that inspired hundreds of rebels the night before the revolution began. Another significant figure, Dédée Bazile (Défilée-la-folle), a mystic who endured severe violence, is celebrated for meticulously reassembling and burying the remains of revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines, embodying the profound commitment of the Haitian people to their land. Recent academic research is finally shedding light on these women's crucial contributions to Haiti's independence.