Women in the Western Sahara

 Hello everyone,

We hope you're as excited for BMUN LXX as we are!

As you study the conflict of the Western Sahara and all the key players involved, one thing that we hoped you picked up on is the prominent role of Sahrawi women in the fight for independence against Morocco. In fact, women have often been leading the resistance and protesting Moroccan human rights abuses in many isolated cities by the berm, continuing to this day. 

A prominent Sahwari activist is Fatimatou Dahwar, who spoke out against the Moroccan government during the Green March in 1975. Because of her attempts to showcase the bias of Moroccan policy and the excessive force used in the Southern Province, Dahwar was imprisoned for 16 years, released back to Laayoune only after the 1991 ceasefire was agreed upon. Even after her imprisonment, she continued hosting secret meetings and peaceful protests with several other women, demonstrating unwavering courage and loyalty to the cause. 

There are countless other women like Dahwar leading many critical parts of the Sahwari resistance, which is unusual for many Muslim countries. There are many reasons this could be the case, including cultural values and women's respected positions in their nomadic backgrounds, but one that is commonly pointed out is the lack of international attention and support, leading many to take matters in their own hands. 

So, the fight continues. Women continue to play vital roles in the resistance and put themselves at the forefront of many dangerous encounters. As you continue your research and brainstorm possible resolutions, we ask that you remember the real people on the ground fighting for a resolution, risking their freedom and identity, and consider them when thinking of the consequences of your potential resolutions.

Here are some general questions to consider:

1. How do cultural norms, social norms, and nationalism play into the conflict at hand? How does it affect your country's role?

2. What has been preventing stronger international action thus far?

3. What solutions will best support people from all sides? 

As always, please reach out if you have any questions! 

See you soon,

BMUN SPECPOL


Read more:

https://www.nationalia.info/dossier/11321/sahrawi-women-are-a-pillar-of-resistance-against-moroccan-occupation

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/in-western-sahara-women-play-large-role-in-forgotten-struggle-for-independence/2013/07/07/f46f23ec-dd06-11e2-85de-c03ca84cb4ef_story.html


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