From object to subject: towards an inclusive approach based on gender in international humanitarian law: Through an examination of women’s experiences as combatants

Details

Supervisors

Van Steenberghe, Raphael

Faculty

Faculté de droit et de criminologie

Degree label

Master de spécialisation en droit international

Abstract

Starting the second half of the 20th century, feminist legal scholars, such as Catherine McKinnon, Hilary Charlesworth and Cynthia Enloe started to scrutinise the law by revealing inherent bias and exposing that law was written in the perspective of men, not giving sufficient attention to women needs and experiences. Consequently, men and women tend to have differing relationships with the law, as it perpetuates a system of values that prioritise those traditionally associated with men, often at the expense of those associated with women. This critic demonstrates how the world is moulded in the image of men and how their standpoint is frequently confused with objectivity and reality. As more women are stepping in various spheres of power, they are challenging the male default gender and redefining the status quo. While much work remains to be done to address gender biases and inequalities, there is a growing awareness and advocacy for women's rights. This shift marks a crucial evolution from viewing women merely as objects to recognising them as active subjects with valuable contributions to society. As times continue to change, the collective efforts of women will help create a more inclusive and equitable world for all. The main objective of this thesis is to unveil what has been overlooked concerning the experiences of women combatants, to raise awareness, offer suggestions, and especially invite the readers to engage with a feminist perspective on International Humanitarian Law.