ABSTRACT
Women have actively participated in Latin American armed conflicts since at least the struggles for independence at the beginning of the 19th century. Until the mid-20th century, however, their role was rather characterized as providers, camp followers or idealistic supporters. However, their position sometimes demanded aggressive and violent actions, such that clear distinctions between supporting and fighting roles are difficult. During the second half of the 20th century, the figure of the female guerrilla fighter became prominent. Similar to their 19th century counterparts, guerrilleras had to reconcile femaleness and femininity, especially in the role of mother with the role of active fighter in pursuit of sociopolitical aims. This chapter considers women in armed conflicts from a long-term perspective in order to trace changes and challenges to prescribed roles from a gender trouble perspective. In the first period, the chapter considers ethnic and social biases toward fighting women, whereas, during the second period, ethnic and social distinctions lose importance. Conflicting gender roles began to become a point of discussion and conflict for women in armed groups.
