Every time there’s a conflict, somebody trots out the idea that women should not participate in the conversation because they are not warriors i.e. men. As if all males may be included in conversations because some other men elsewhere are fighting battles.

Let’s address the sliding scale of women’s involvement in conflict. Even in times of peace, women have to participate in paying taxes that go to building and maintaining of defenses. One can make a simple “taxation without representation” argument for hearing us out.

When there is a conflict, costs increase and resources are often cut off or sent towards war efforts. Prices rise and some items are cut off entirely by embargos and boycotts. 

If war is directed at a nation, women absolutely are threatened by the destruction and any kind of looting and sexual assault that often is associated with invading armies. In times of occupation, women are often treated as labor, slaves or worse: as receptacles for physical desires of occupiers. After war, these women are further alienated by their kinsmen and children that came from such unions are treated harshly too. Women are also the ones who have to clean up and take care of the wounded, both physically and mentally.

When people say that women should not be soldiers for their own protection, nor participate in discussions, they are merely relegating women to the role of eternal victims and never victors.

“The women of this country learned long ago, those without swords can still die upon them.” Eowyn, Lord of The Rings