“Subjects Of Change”: Feminist Geopolitics And Gendered Truth-Telling In Guatemala,
2012
Bridgewater State University
“Subjects Of Change”: Feminist Geopolitics And Gendered Truth-Telling In Guatemala, Rebecca Patterson-Markowitz, Elizabeth Oglesby, Sallie Marston
Journal of International Women's Studies
This paper explores the often-undervalued role of gender in transitional justice mechanisms and the importance of women’s struggles and agency in that regard. We focus on the efforts of the women’s movement in Guatemala to address questions of justice and healing for survivors of gendered violence during Guatemala’s 36-year internal armed conflict. We discuss how the initial transitional justice measures of documenting gendered war crimes in the context of a genocide were subsequently taken up by the women’s movement and how their endeavors to further expose sexual violence have resulted in notable interventions. Interviews with key organizational activists as well …
‘For My Torturer’: An African Woman’S Transformative Art Of Truth, Justice And Peace-Making During Colonialism,
2012
Bridgewater State University
‘For My Torturer’: An African Woman’S Transformative Art Of Truth, Justice And Peace-Making During Colonialism, Priya Narismulu
Journal of International Women's Studies
Against a range of injustices African women have made powerful challenges to structural, gender and repressive violence through their interventions in questions of justice, dialogue, creativity and transformation. This article addresses an activist’s interventions against colonial oppression by examining gender as the central variable in the relationship between justice and activism in African women’s creative literature. The poem “For my Torturer, Lieutenant D…” was written in prison by the Algerian activist Leila Djabali who navigated the silences and challenges of gender, age and national identity (postcolonial). It challenges the violence of colonial and patriarchal silencing to expose torture and rape …
The Struggle Over Boundary And Memory: Nation, Borders, And Gender In Jewish Israel,
2012
Bridgewater State University
The Struggle Over Boundary And Memory: Nation, Borders, And Gender In Jewish Israel, Tamar Mayer
Journal of International Women's Studies
The attachment of a nation to its ancestral homeland is indisputable. Yet, when the nation does not have a clear idea of the geographical parameters of its territory, the boundaries often get defined by others and through war. In the case of Israel, however, especially since 1967, the Jewish homeland has been defined and shaped not simply by war but by government policies that support the Settlement Project in the occupied territories of the West Bank. While Jewish men and women historically have had different roles in defining Israel’s boundaries – men as defenders of borders and women as enablers …
Our Mothers Have Spoken: Synthesizing Old And New Forms Of Women’S Political Authority In Liberia,
2012
Bridgewater State University
Our Mothers Have Spoken: Synthesizing Old And New Forms Of Women’S Political Authority In Liberia, Mary Moran
Journal of International Women's Studies
This paper argues that the 2005 election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to the Liberian presidency is best understood in the historical and cultural context of pre-war authority-bearing positions available to women, rather than as an outcome of the Liberian civil war itself. Against a literature that tends to view “traditional” African societies as hostile to both democracy and women’s rights, I contend that gender, conflict, and democracy are inter-twined in more complex relationships. Post-conflict societies such as Liberia are interesting not only as sites of intervention by international organizations seeking to capitalize on the “window of opportunity” available to re-make …
The Way Forward For Girls’ Education In Afghanistan,
2012
Bridgewater State University
The Way Forward For Girls’ Education In Afghanistan, Carolyn Kissane
Journal of International Women's Studies
Lack of rights and access to education are problems that have challenged Afghan women throughout the history of their country. True political reform in Afghanistan is contingent upon the solving of these problems, as women’s education is essential not only for the development of a more stable government, but also for raising living standards. Women’s lack of access to education in Afghanistan is reinforced by beliefs rooted in the religious and familial tradition of community. Although Islamic ideologies have often been distorted and manipulated by leaders to control and subjugate the lives of women, Islam cannot be ignored in the …
Gender And Political Transformation In Societies At War,
2012
Bridgewater State University
Gender And Political Transformation In Societies At War, Jill A. Irvine, Maureen Hays-Mitchell
Journal of International Women's Studies
In recent years, the role of gender in societies undergoing significant political change has received increasing attention both theoretically, in the literature on democratization, and practically in the international financial support provided women’s groups for the promotion of democracy. As a result, scholars and policy-makers are well positioned to consider systematically (i) the relationship between gender and democratic transformation in general, and (ii) the conditions under which women’s groups and other activists can effectively promote gender equality in the emerging governmental structures. This themed issue investigates a set of questions and cases in need of thorough and methodical analysis: the …
The Muslim Sisters And The January 25th Revolution,
2012
Bridgewater State University
The Muslim Sisters And The January 25th Revolution, Mona Farag
Journal of International Women's Studies
As the world watched in anticipation and trepidation the powerful force that was the January 25 revolution, one vital question stuck in everyone’s mind: how large was the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in the events that took place during those 18 days prior to the stepping down of Mubarak? More importantly, with the newfound sense of freedom and democracy that has overtaken Egypt’s streets, how will the future of the Muslim Sisters be impacted? This paper will focus on the activities spearheaded by the Muslim Sisters during the revolution and the months leading up to the People’s and Legislative …
Failing The Masses: Buthaina Shabaan And The Public Intellectual Crisis,
2012
Bridgewater State University
Failing The Masses: Buthaina Shabaan And The Public Intellectual Crisis, Asaad Al-Saleh
Journal of International Women's Studies
This article discusses the problematic and double-sided role of the public intellectual in the Syrian revolution, which started on March 15, 2011 and is still unfolding. When recently challenged by Syrians, the regime enforced its control by carrying out military operations against its own citizens, not without endorsement by a large portion of the population. The article follows the case of Buthaina Shabaan (b.1953-), the writer, professor, and advocate of the Syrian regime. While spurring the populace to embrace the possibility of democratic reform, this female intellectual has accepted—even embraced—the political control employed by an authoritarian one-party regime, which uses …
“Every Knot Has Someone To Undo It.” Using The Capabilities Approach As A Lens To View The Status Of Women Leading Up To The Arab Spring In Syria,
2012
Bridgewater State University
“Every Knot Has Someone To Undo It.” Using The Capabilities Approach As A Lens To View The Status Of Women Leading Up To The Arab Spring In Syria, Lorraine Charles, Kate Denman
Journal of International Women's Studies
The status of women in Syria has undergone great change in the last century and particularly in the decade leading up to the Syrian Arab Spring. Despite this advancement, many women are still not permitted the freedom to convert their capabilities into chosen valued activities and achievements. This has resulted in a lack of agency to decide, act and bring change in Syria. Most women do not partake in political and public life and, due to the nature of the regime and the socio-cultural landscape, their freedom to make decisions affecting their status within the public and private sphere is …
Arab Spring And Women In Kuwait,
2012
Bridgewater State University
Arab Spring And Women In Kuwait, Muhamad S. Olimat
Journal of International Women's Studies
The Arab Spring, a revolutionary wave of protests and rebellions, and a process of regime change and democratization is sweeping the Arab world, but marginally touching women’s issues in Kuwait. While Arab women in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Morocco, Yemen, Jordan, and Syria are active participants and co-beneficiaries of the process of change, Kuwaiti women have lost their electoral gains made in 2009 in the latest elections held in February of 2012. The objective of this paper is to examine the impact of Arab Spring on women in Kuwait, and their continued struggle for political participation in the country. It will …
Looking At Me, Are You? Social Status And The Veil,
2012
Bridgewater State University
Looking At Me, Are You? Social Status And The Veil, Angelika Böck
Journal of International Women's Studies
In this article I discuss the dialogical method which is used to study the idea of perception among individuals, especially to understand the question of perception toward the veil in Yemen in 2007. Furthermore I elaborate on my exploration of “portrayal” as an art form which lies at the basis of my approach. To be occupied with matters of the veil means to deal with questions of image and gaze. Therefore I also try to give a basic overview on this topic. The article ends with a short description of a corresponding experiment I carried out in Germany one year …
Why Women Are Losing Rights In Post-Revolutionary Egypt,
2012
Bridgewater State University
Why Women Are Losing Rights In Post-Revolutionary Egypt, Aliaa Dawoud
Journal of International Women's Studies
A backlash against women’s rights emerged in post-revolutionary Egypt. This paper argues that one of the reasons is the fact that former President Mubarak, his wife and son were the key decision makers when it came to women’s rights. These decisions were reflected in the media so that women’s rights came to be associated with government policy personalized around the first lady. The paper demonstrates that the backlash did not emerge suddenly after Mubarak was ousted from power, but that dissent against Mubaraks’ decisions pertaining to women was prevalent in the media long before the 25th of January revolution. The …
Arab Spring: Women’S Empowerment In Algeria,
2012
Bridgewater State University
Arab Spring: Women’S Empowerment In Algeria, Sangeeta Sinha
Journal of International Women's Studies
The Arab Spring brought turmoil, upheaval and regime change in its wake. But these winds of change barely touched Algeria, and when it did we did not hear or see any women. In order to answer the two questions, the paper explores the status of women in present-day Algeria within a historical social and political context. Understanding the status of women is done by delving into some of the historical processes that Algerian women have had to confront. In order to understand the empowerment process, the study uses the empowerment framework as outlined by the Beijing Platform of action and …
Jordanian Women’S Political Participation: On The Verge Of Arab Spring,
2012
Bridgewater State University
Jordanian Women’S Political Participation: On The Verge Of Arab Spring, Abdulhalim M. Al-Adwan
Journal of International Women's Studies
Recent decades in Jordan have witnessed considerable changes in women’s roles in the political sphere and in the community. Jordan has passed, modified, or adopted legislation that fosters the rights of women and the abolition of discrimination against them. Women experienced real visibility in higher leadership positions with 10.8% in the lower house and 11.7% in the senate. Yet, while women earn higher levels of education, their participation in the labor market is relatively low, and those who want to join the labor force meet higher levels of unemployment. Although women have made real progress in the public sphere, their …
A New Feminism? Gender Dynamics In Morocco’S February 20th Movement,
2012
Bridgewater State University
A New Feminism? Gender Dynamics In Morocco’S February 20th Movement, Zakia Salime
Journal of International Women's Studies
The February 20th movement shows new modes of engagement with feminism, despite a striking absence of feminist organizations from the protest movement. Nevertheless, and in sharp contrast with most accounts that posit the irrelevance of feminism for Moroccan youth’s identifications and political subjectivities, I argue that feminism has not only penetrated the social imaginary of a new generation of activists, but has also informed their practices. What kind of tension does this appropriation of feminism by the youth of February 20th bring about with traditional feminist circles? Does this high visibility of women in February 20th indicate the rise of …
Barriers Hindering Jordanian Women’S Advancement To Higher Political And Leadership Positions,
2012
Bridgewater State University
Barriers Hindering Jordanian Women’S Advancement To Higher Political And Leadership Positions, Rowaida Al Maaitah, Arwa Oweis, Hmoud Olimat, Ikhlas Altarawneh, Hadeel Al Maaitah
Journal of International Women's Studies
Purpose: The purposes of this study were to identify barriers hindering Jordanian women’s advancement to higher political and leadership positions and to identify main actions/strategies to facilitate Jordanian women’s advancement to higher political and leadership positions. Methodology: A cross sectional survey was used where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected utilizing a self-administered questionnaire. A convenience sample of 500 Jordanian women was selected from women working in political and leadership positions in various settings including government, Non Government Organizations (NGOs), business, educational and academic institutions. The Study involved a self administered questionnaire with closed and open ended questions …
Women At A Crossroads: Sudanese Women And Political Transformation,
2012
Bridgewater State University
Women At A Crossroads: Sudanese Women And Political Transformation, Leah F. Sherwood
Journal of International Women's Studies
The ‘Arab Spring’ is a nuanced phenomenon of significance to African democracy and women’s rights in Sudan – north and south. Political transformation processes underway in postrevolution Arab states simultaneously give voice to human rights advocates and rise to Islamist political groups. The reverberating trend presents a risk of deepening Islamist governance in Sudan and reinforcing patriarchal patterns of kinship in South Sudan. It also offers opportunity, north and south, for Sudanese women to form a common agenda, engage politically, promote a vibrant civil society, challenge human rights violations and develop a voice through participation. Given the Islamist upsurge in …
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back? Egyptian Women Within The Confines Of Authoritarianism,
2012
Bridgewater State University
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back? Egyptian Women Within The Confines Of Authoritarianism, Nadine Sika, Yasmin Khodary
Journal of International Women's Studies
This paper examines the pre and post January 25th political dynamics in Egypt, how these have affected the role of women in the private, public and political spheres. It analyzes the dynamics of the development of Egyptian women’s organizations, and the extent to which these may develop into an Egyptian feminist movement. An overview of historical, political, and social contexts of the role of Egyptian women’s organizations will provide an understanding of their main accomplishments from Nasser to Mubarak. The study shows how the early women’s organizations were directly linked with the ruling authorities and how these have added to …
The Role Of Women In The Egyptian 25th January Revolution,
2012
Bridgewater State University
The Role Of Women In The Egyptian 25th January Revolution, Manal Al-Natour
Journal of International Women's Studies
This article examines women’s roles in the January 25th Revolution in Egypt. I examine portrayals of women’s roles in the revolution in literary fiction released shortly after the revolution and in digital media. I argue that the fictional and even nonfictional texts are incomplete in their depiction of female roles. I further examine the representation of women’s roles in digital media, specifically blogs, Facebook, and Twitter, and argue that digital social media give the most pervasive, extensive, and accurate description of women’s roles in the revolution; it not only engages women politically, but it also provides a wide range of …
Social Networks And Women’S Mobilization In Tunisia,
2012
Bridgewater State University
Social Networks And Women’S Mobilization In Tunisia, Sami Zlitni, Zeineb Touati
Journal of International Women's Studies
After the fall of Ben Ali’s regime, fears were growing as various religious parties have decided to run in the elections to the Constituent Assembly of October 23th, 2011. The Code of Personal Status, the very symbol of Bourguibian modernity, might well be challenged. Beyond their presence on traditional media, feminist movements have organized themselves online so as to make themselves heard and to be able to mobilize public opinion. Facebook has become a place that maximizes visibility, thus allowing Tunisian feminists to make their ideas and their actions widely known. By favoring distanciated commitment, Facebook is a tool that …
