Abstract
This paper examines the critical role of Sahrawi women in the long-standing struggle for independence in Western Sahara, focusing on their contributions through feminist, postcolonial, and subaltern frameworks. Sahrawi women have been central to the resistance movement, leveraging their roles within both the private and public spheres to challenge colonial and patriarchal structures. Despite enduring systemic marginalization, these women have become key figures in grassroots activism, from organizing in refugee camps to advocating for self-determination. The paper applies feminist theories such as Cynthia Enloe’s “personal is political,” Asef Bayat’s concept of social non-movements, and Gayatri Spivak’s postcolonial subaltern agency to analyze how Sahrawi women have influenced their community’s political and cultural resilience. The paper argues that their activism, often informal yet profoundly impactful, exemplifies a form of resistance that transcends traditional political roles and reshapes the gendered dynamics of resistance movements. By analyzing the intersection of gender, culture, and politics in the Sahrawi struggle, the paper highlights the importance of inclusive feminist approaches to understanding global liberation movements, particularly in postcolonial contexts. This research emphasizes the need for a nuanced portrayal of Sahrawi women’s agency, which has been crucial in sustaining the movement for self-determination and advancing the cause of Western Sahara on the international stage.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Civic, Political, and Community Studies
KEYWORDS
Sahrawi Women, Western Sahara, Feminist Theory, Subaltern Agency
