Ayelet Harel

Feminist scholarship presents a complex discourse surrounding women’s involvement in the military and the implications of that involvement for state policy and the status of women. While some critics of gender-equal participation express concerns about potential negative consequences, such as the legitimization of military force and the broader trend of militarization, this chapter presents a different perspective. In numerous countries around the world, women currently serve in diverse combat roles and combat-support positions, navigating a challenging path to prove their capabilities and facing ongoing struggles. This chapter delves into the unique perspectives of women serving in combat positions in state militaries and explores the ways in which they interpret their roles and experiences. It also asks how we can look differently at conventional terms, such as combat, by leveraging the perspectives and experiences of these women. This chapter may thus aid feminist International Relations scholars or to better understand various evolving perspectives of gender, security, and insecurity.