We Have to Retire the Phrase ‘Women and Children’ in Conflicts

Article here. Excerpt:

'Amid global calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, one dominant justification is the toll that the genocide is taking on women and children — the stereotypical victims in any kind of crisis. Israel, too, is routinely invoking rhetoric -- and unverified claims -- about women and children to reinforce the impression of Hamas being "barbaric."

The phrase "women and children" -- often invoked in discussions surrounding conflicts, wars, and humanitarian crises -- might be well-intentioned; its objective is to emphasize the vulnerability of certain groups. However, it inadvertently has counterproductive consequences – reducing women to "victims," and men to "protectors" and "perpetrators."'