The Woman Warrior. A Post-structural Gender Analysis of Guerrilleras in Colombia

Abstract: The thesis is a study of female guerrilla soldiers, guerrilleras, in two Colombian guerrilla groups: the rural FARC-EP and the urban M-19. Firstly, the roles female guerrilleras play and the treatment of guerrilleras are described. Secondly, poststructural gender theory is used to understand the gender structures that underlie the division of labor within the groups. The study focuses on certain manifestations of gender structures in the groups: gender discrimination, gendered division of labor and processes of militarization. In the two guerrilla groups, gender discrimination occurs frequently. In restricted areas progress towards gender equality has been made, but in principle the groups have not achieved gender equality. In addition to pulling the same work load as the men, guerrilleras are simultaneously situated in traditionally female support roles. Women do not have the same opportunities as men to reach positions of power. Sexual abuse and harassment occur within the guerrilla groups and are often used as a weapon against women. The presence of guerrilleras has not changed the fundamental militarized and patriarchal construction of the guerrilla groups. Rather, women’s presence in guerrilla groups reflects the militarization of society and of the guerrilleras themselves and not the achievement of gender equality.