As a student, Damanaki became a member of the Communist Youth of Greece, the youth section of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), but also became actively involved in the antidictatorial struggle and took part in the Athens Polytechnic uprising. Damanaki was the voice of the famous ""Εδώ Πολυτεχνείο" ("This is the Polytechnic")" radio broadcast from within the uprising, calling Greek citizens out to support; she was arrested and tortured by the regime.