Sahrawi women's resistance in the refugee camps and in the Spanish diaspora

• Autor(a) principal: Fernandes, Carolina Anjos
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Tipo de documento: Dissertação
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: http://hdl.handle.net/10071/29970
• topic: Western Sahara; Women; Resistance; Igualdade de género -- gender equality; Emancipação -- Emancipation; Sahara Ocidental; Mulheres; Resistência

Rooted in a rich heritage spanning generations, Sahrawi women play a central role in preserving the cultural identity of their people. This dissertation comprehensively analyses their pivotal contributions within the Sahrawi society, exploring their resistance against oppression in both the refugee camps and the Spanish diaspora. Despite the significance of the Western Sahara invasion, the vital role of women in this struggle often remains overlooked. Through online interviews analysed through Thematic Analysis, this study delves into the historical ties of Sahrawi women to the national struggle, uncovering their multifaceted roles in the resistance movement. The findings highlight distinctive perspectives on gender equality and emancipation challenges. A shared concern emerges about women's underrepresentation in politics. However, it is understood that Sahrawi women in the refugee camps and in the Diaspora do not agree on existing gender equality levels, nor on the subjects that need priority in the struggle. This research underscores the indispensable role of Sahrawi women in preserving cultural heritage and resisting oppression. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing their diverse perspectives in shaping the future of Sahrawi society.