Women and the Lebanese Civil War: Female Fighters in Lebanese and Palestinian Militias

This book explores the participation of women in the Lebanese and Palestinian militias during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), challenging assumptions about their roles in violent conflict and war. It provides a comprehensive analysis of women's motivations, organizational characteristics, security-related aspects, and societal factors that influenced their involvement in these militias.

Format: Hardback
Length: 203 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the compelling reasons behind women's involvement in the diverse Lebanese and Palestinian militias that took part in the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). While most existing accounts of this war either overlook the significant roles and experiences of women or confine them to either victimhood or peacemaking roles, 'Women and the Lebanese Civil War' emerges as a groundbreaking exploration that sheds light on the multifaceted involvement of women as militants and fighters across all the militias engaged in the conflict. Through a comprehensive analysis that encompasses individual motivations, organizational characteristics, security-related aspects, and societal factors, the book unravels the complexities behind why women were included as fighters in certain militias but not in others. Drawing upon extensive fieldwork conducted in Lebanon, this book stands as the first comprehensive study of female perpetrators and supporters of political violence during the Lebanese Civil War. Moreover, it challenges prevailing assumptions about the roles of women during times of violent conflict and war, offering a fresh perspective on this critical period of history.

Introduction:
The Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) was a complex and multifaceted conflict that left a lasting impact on the region. While the war primarily involved male combatants, it is important to recognize that women also played significant roles in the conflict. This book aims to explore the reasons behind women's participation in the various Lebanese and Palestinian militias involved in the war.
Overlooked Roles and Experiences:
Existing accounts of the Civil War in Lebanon often overlook the roles and experiences of women entirely or focus on women as victims or peacemakers only. This limited perspective fails to capture the diverse range of experiences and motivations that drove women to join the militias. Women were not just passive bystanders or victims of the war; they actively participated as militants and fighters.
Individual Motivations:
The reasons for women's participation in the militias varied widely. Some women joined to support their families or loved ones who were involved in the conflict. Others were driven by a sense of political activism or a desire to contribute to the struggle for independence or social justice. Some women saw the militias as a means of gaining power and influence within their communities.
Organizational Characteristics:
The militias involved in the Civil War were diverse in their organizational characteristics. Some were organized along religious or ethnic lines, while others were more secular or focused on specific political ideologies. The organizational structure of the militias influenced the roles and experiences of women within them. Women were often marginalized or excluded from decision-making processes, and their contributions were often undervalued.
Security-Related Aspects:
The security environment in Lebanon during the Civil War was extremely volatile and dangerous. Women faced unique challenges and risks as they participated in the militias. They were often targeted by opposing factions and subjected to sexual violence and harassment. Women also had to navigate the complex security dynamics within the militias, which were often characterized by power struggles and factional loyalties.
Societal Factors:
Societal factors also played a significant role in women's participation in the militias. The war disrupted traditional gender roles and norms, and women were often forced to take on new responsibilities and roles that were traditionally held by men. Women were also vulnerable to social and economic marginalization, and the militias provided them with a sense of empowerment and economic security.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book highlights the multifaceted involvement of women in the Lebanese and Palestinian militias during the Lebanese Civil War. It challenges the narrow narratives that have dominated the discourse on the war and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the roles and experiences of women as militants and fighters. The book sheds light on the complex motivations, organizational characteristics, security-related aspects, and societal factors that drove women to participate in the militias and contributes to our understanding of gender roles and violence in times of conflict.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030837877
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022