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April 2005

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The Women's Studies Program presents 16th annual Cady Stanton student research conference
By Dana Imperia '05

   More than 60 students and faculty attended the 16^th Annual Elizabeth Cady Stanton Student Research Conference on March 30 in the Radnor/St. David’s Room of the Connelly Center. The keynote address featured Dr. Elizabeth L. Hillman, associate professor at Rutgers University Law School, who spoke on “Guarding Women: Abu Ghraib and Military Sexual Culture.”

   Dr. Rebecca Winer, assistant professor of history and director of the Women’s Studies Program, introduced and welcomed Hillman, citing her vast expertise in the area. “Hillman’s work is especially timely,” Winer remarked. Hillman lectured on Abu Gharib, women’s role in the military and the military sexual culture, followed by questions from the audience.

   Hillman commented on the grim nature of what occurred at Abu Gharib, an Iraqi military prison that was shut down after photos were released to the media that showcased the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by both American and British troops. Since three of seven military persons being charged for the abuse are women, Hillman stated that this situation has “given life to doubts about woman in the military.”

   Chronicling the history of women’s roles in the military which began in WWII, Hillman noted that women have always been an “overlooked resource,” but have been sought after by the military in “dire-need” situations, such as the concurrent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Among the enlisted soldiers today, 15 percent are women and around 10 percent are on active duty. While government authorities have never recommended that women be removed from the military, the actions by the three women at Abu Gharib have raised questions about their contributions.

   Hillman stated, “Since Abu Gharib, the presence of women has been questioned. It has been suggested that women corrupt discipline and increase the sexual tension in the military.”  Hillman cited the long history of sexual tension and abuse that has occurred within the military, most notably fostered by lack of recognition given to women and the military’s emphasis on deference and hierarchy.

   “This emphasis on hierarchy has a dark side which can create situations ripe for abuse,” Hillman said. “Blaming the mistreatment of prisoners on women or the war on terror ignores the military’s sexual culture.”

   The event was sponsored by the Women’s Studies Program and co-sponsored by the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies.