Under the Melhfa: Sahrawi Women Across Generations of Resistance

This thesis examines the evolving roles of Sahrawi women within the context of the protracted Western Sahara conflict, with a focus on their contributions to the liberation struggle, their societal transformations in exile, and their resistance under Moroccan occupation. Drawing on a diverse range of historical, comparative, and feminist theoretical literature, the research explores the intersection of gender, nationalism, and displacement across generations of Sahrawi women. The study is structured into three core chapters. The first chapter provides a historical analysis of Sahrawi women’s involvement in the POLISARIO-led liberation movement and their shifting responsibilities in refugee camps post-war. The second chapter investigates the generational divide in activism and empowerment, contrasting the experiences of older women who lived through the independence struggle with the emerging voices of younger generations. The final chapter focuses on the resilience of Sahrawi women under Moroccan occupation, examining their strategies of cultural and political resistance despite systemic marginalization. Methodologically, the thesis integrates feminist approaches, including oral histories and participatory research, to highlight marginalized voices and uncover overlooked narratives. The findings reveal significant contributions of Sahrawi women to their nation’s struggle for self-determination, while also shedding light on persistent gendered inequalities and the unique challenges faced by women in contexts of protracted displacement and occupation. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on gender in liberation movements and post-colonial studies by addressing gaps in longitudinal analysis, intergenerational dynamics, and the underexplored experiences of women in occupied territories. It underscores the need for region-specific feminist scholarship to better understand how gender and displacement shape resistance and resilience in prolonged conflicts.