Women have long been seen as the victims of war and conflict; however, in recent years, their roles and perspectives in relation to warfare and conflict are rapidly evolving. Around the globe, women are playing increasingly active roles in warfare, taking up various tasks such as combatants, mediators, peacekeepers, commanders and strategists. This article will explore the changing roles, perspectives, and experiences of women in warfare and conflict with a focus on the positive developments that are transforming the traditionally masculine field.
Women in Combat – Historical Perspectives
While women have held roles in war since ancient times, such roles were almost always limited to those that supported the fight, such as nurses, cooks, and laundresses2. Women have only been joining combat roles more recently, with some countries deciding to integrate women into combat roles since the early 2000s.
In the U.S., the most significant milestone for women in the military was the passage of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (1948), which allowed women to become part of the armed forces. However, it was only in 2013 that the military officially removed restrictions on women in combat roles. Since then, the roles and perspectives of women in warfare have been steadily increasing.
In addition to the U.S., other countries are also beginning to embrace a more gender-equal approach to military roles. For example, the United Kingdom now allows women to serve in all combat roles, while France recently opened combat roles to women in 2019.
Peer Pressure and Negative Social Attitudes
Despite the progress that has been made in allowing women to serve in combat roles, there is still a lot of pressure from peers and negative social attitudes toward the concept.
Peer pressure, in particular, can be very profound for female soldiers, who may be trying to prove their worth in a traditionally masculine domain. In some cases, women may feel pressure to prove themselves as “equal to men” in the field and, as a result, take additional risks.
Furthermore, a lot of the media coverage surrounding women in combat roles is often negative, reinforcing stereotypes and making it difficult for women to gain acceptance in the field.
As such, it is important to recognize that many of the issues surrounding women in combat roles stem from outdated social mores and gender-based discrimination, rather than any lack of willingness or ability in women.
Changing Roles and Relevant Skills
As women increasingly join combat roles, it is important to recognize that there are many roles for which women possess the relevant skills and talent.
In addition to the traditional roles such as pilots, infantry, and medics, there are a number of non-traditional roles that are becoming increasingly important. For example, women can now serve as cyber warfare experts, intelligence officers, mechanics, and strategists.
Furthermore, women also bring unique perspectives to warfare and conflict which can often give them a distinct advantage over their male counterparts. For example, in some cultures, women are better placed to interact with local populations because they are less likely to be seen as a threat. In contrast, men may not be viewed in the same way and, thus, their effectiveness may be reduced.
Role of Women in Conflict Mediation
Women are also increasingly playing a role in the mediation of conflicts. Women are often better placed to understand the nuances of a given situation, providing valuable input during negotiations. In addition, the inclusion of women can potentially provide greater trust and understanding between parties, thus leading to better outcomes.
Furthermore, women’s perspectives can be invaluable in creating policies that are better suited to local needs, allowing for more constructive solutions. For example, many UN-sponsored peace talks have included more female representation in an effort to improve outcomes.
The role of women in warfare and conflict is evolving rapidly, with more and more countries beginning to accept women in combat roles. Women possess many important skills that can be invaluable in warfare and conflict, providing an alternative view to the traditionally masculine field. In addition, who are increasingly playing a role in the mediation of conflicts, helping to create better outcomes.
It is clear that, as the roles and perspectives of women in warfare and conflict continue to evolve, so too will women’s experiences in the field. The acceptance of women in combat, and the recognition of their unique abilities, will prove invaluable in creating greater trust and understanding between parties, leading to more positive outcomes in the future.
