Women and resistance to colonialism in Morocco: the Rif 1916-1926

Pennell, C. R.

article

Women and resistance to colonialism in Morocco: the Rif 1916-1926

Journal of African history • 28 • Published In 1987 • Pages: 107-118

By: Pennell, C. R..

Abstract
This article discusses the role of women during the Rif war of the 1920s. It shows that the mobilization and organization of tribal society by Muhammad bin Abd al-Karim to resist against Spanish and French occupation extended to women as well as men, involving them in new tasks under new laws. In the end, however, the evidence points not so much to a revolution in women's lives as to the activation for the purposes of war of a traditional 'female space'. In so doing, the paper points to the real importance of the women's sphere in a society which was sexually strongly segregated, confirming the impression derived from studies of more literate, urban and aristocratic Muslim societies of North Africa and the Middle East.

Gender status

Division of labor by gender

Revolution

Status, role, and prestige

External relations

Military organization

Family relationships

Gender roles and issues

Aftermath of combat

Status, role, and prestige

Religious experience

Offenses against the state