Women in the Yugoslav Wars

The Yugoslav Wars were an armed conflict that lasted from 1991 until 2001. The conflict began when Croat people who wanted to remain loyal to the Government of Croatia declared their independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The conflict was between these loyalists and the Serb-controlled Yugoslav People Army, or the JNA. A large majority of the Croatian people supported this new independence, however, many Serbian people did not. The Serbian people preferred a new state be made of areas that included Croatia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. The Serbian people then tried to take this land forcefully. This series of wars is marked as one of the deadliest conflicts in Europe since World War II and launched the countries involved into a time of largescale ethnic cleansing, genocide, and crimes against humanity. After the war ended, there was a war crimes trial held, and resulted in a refugee crisis.

Women in the Yugoslav Wars held several roles during the conflicts. Thousands of women joined their country's military which was an uncommon role for women during this time in these countries. Women also remained at home to help support the economy through means of agriculture as well as the transportation of supplies such as food or ammunition. Women worked as saboteurs during this time to destroy enemy infrastructure. Women also worked during the war to further their roles in society after the war ended.