Both Slovene and Yugoslav communists formed their attitude to the issue of women on the basis of the Marxist theory and practical experience in the Soviet Union. In socialism a woman was not supposed to be merely a mother and a housewife, but also an employed, educated and politically active person. Therefore the socialist state should ensure that women get an equal status in the family and society. The communist party mostly rejected the establishment of independent women's organisations, saying that the issue of women is only a part of the working class struggle. However, under exceptional circumstances during the Second World War and the revolution, the party leadership decided to establish a special women's organisation. At first its purpose was to draw women into the National Liberation War. After the war it helped in rebuilding the state and resolving social issues, it promoted employment and education of women and their participation in governing and political bodies and it dealt with maternal and children issues. However, its main purpose was to educate women, especially those coming from the countryside, in socialist spirit and draw them away from the influence of its adversaries.