Eritrea — Articles — Women in Islam

Memories of War and the Bodies of Eritrean Women Fighters

In this essay, Sondra Hale explores the representation of women’s bodies in times of war, with a focus on Muslim women ex-fighters. Based on interviews conducted in the 1990s, she analyses the experiences of female combatants who served in the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) during the 30-year war for Independence from Ethiopia (1961-1991). Hale examines changes in socio-cultural and gender norms during the war and its aftermath. She highlights the challenges faced by female fighters in the post-war era which has been marked by a resurgence of traditional values within Eritrean society.

Between Two WorldsSiha AfricaFebruary 20, 2020Eritrea, Fighters, Female Fighters, War, militancy, issue4

FGM in the Horn of Africa

“There is not a single verse in the Qur’an that can be used as a basis for FGM”. An in-depth analysis of the history of FGM and efforts to abolish it.

Siha AfricaAugust 5, 2019FGM, SU, Eritrea, Djibouti, somalia