Aug 30, 2017 · In rural areas, where formal education is more rare, the army will visit villages to round up young girls and boys who look roughly of age, to begin their program of combat training and forced...

Ian Brimacombe reports on a woman who fought in the Eritrean struggle for independence from Ethiopia. She was just 13 when she became a soldier. She spent the next 16 years fighting in a brutal guerrilla war. Meriem Omer began her life as a girl soldier in 1976.

Female soldiers in Eritrea played a major role in both the war, the Eritrean independence and the border dispute with Ethiopia. During the Eritrean war of independence more than 30% of the Eritrean military were women. They served in direct combat operations. Eritrea is one of the few nations in the world where women fight side by side with men.

Eritrean women represented 30 percent of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) during the 30-year war for independence. The war was fought against Ethiopian forces to reestablish Eritrean sovereignty from Ethiopian annexation.

May 24, 1993 · IN a small, crowded cafe, a woman soldier in an Army jacket and baggy slacks looks up as two Eritrean women in smart, colorful dresses and styled haircuts walk in. The fighter's eyes follow...

The war of independence in Eritrea involved an unusually high proportion of women soldiers. Sporting trademark shorts and afros, these women fought alongside the men.

Jun 1, 2015 · Women made up 30% of Eritrea's army of 100,000 soldiers and were a popular symbol of the liberation effort. After Eritrea won its independence in 1993 women were given 30% of the seats in parliament and gained new legal rights.

During the war for independence, women constituted one-third of Eritrea's army - not merely logistical support - they held command positions, led tanks into battle, and served in combat...

Feb 5, 2024 · Women have played a pivotal role in the building of the Northeastern African country of Eritrea. After a 30-year-long conflict, Eritrea achieved independence from its neighboring country of Ethiopia. During the war, Eritrean women made up one-third of the army.

Sep 30, 2016 · Boot camp at Sawa is anything but easy. At the end of their training, the young men and women of Sawa emerge as mentally tough and confident soldiers who can be trusted with the defense and security of the Eritrean State.