MESA Banner
Does Gendered Militarism Result in Gendered Activism in Israel?
Abstract by Dr. Maia Carter Hallward
Coauthors: Lina Tuschling
On Session IV-16  (Women's Activism and Disenfranchisement)

On Tuesday, October 6 at 01:30 pm

2020 Annual Meeting

Abstract
Israel is the only country that has mandatory conscription for both male and female citizens. The military plays a key role in Israel’s national identity and in domestic and international politics; the role of women in the military has also been used to advance Israel’s image as a “progressive” country in regard to women’s equality. Several studies have been done exploring the role of gender in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well as women’s activism against the occupation and the militarization of Israeli society. However, most of these studies have focused on civil society activism rather than activism from within the military, through groups such as Yesh Gvul, Combatants for Peace, and Breaking the Silence.. Women activists in Israel struggle against war and militarism using their position as mothers who promote and value life, but feminist activists also have campaigned for women’s equality in all aspects of Israeli society, including the military. While mixed gender combat units are increasing in numbers and military promotional materials have extensively covered the accomplishments of female fighter pilots and the first all-female combat unit, the overall percentage of women in combat units remains small (less than 4% in 2014). Based on these dual foci of Israeli female activists, this paper examines gendered narratives of military service and activism, including stereotypes, tropes and symbols used by the Israeli military as well as those protesting against military policies within and without the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). We ask three primary questions: First, to what extent do women in uniform engage in military activism? Do they speak out in the tradition of women civil society activists or do they stay quiet so as not to jeopardize women’s efforts to achieve equality within the IDF? Second, for women who do engage in military activism, how does their military activism compare to women’s activism in traditional peace movements in terms of narratives and tactics used? Third, how does the portrayal of women’s military activism differ from the portrayal of their male counterparts? Using secondary sources including Israeli news sources, activist websites and promotional materials, and military public relations documents, this paper examines whether narratives of resistance are gendered.
Discipline
International Relations/Affairs
Geographic Area
Israel
Sub Area
Gender/Women's Studies