WOMEN’S CAREER PATHS IN THE ARAB SPACE

Abstract

The present monographic section provides a brief tour of several women’s career paths in the framework of the Arab space from different scenarios and at different moments in time. Starting from this idea the Arab space, which is the common thread among the texts included in this section, has been considered from a broad perspective that includes everything related to the Arab world, whether in terms of geography, linguistic, culture or history provided it is linked to women’s work. The aim of this section is to reflect about the different jobs held by women and about the job positions yet to be achieved, highlighting the social reactions to this feminine presence. At the same time, it aims to make visible women’s active role beyond productive work, that is, their role in the field of reproductive work, to emphasize how the dominant discourse about the labour market -which lacks a gender perspective- does not take into account neither reproductive work nor women’s work in the informal sector. Finally, the section ends with two women’s professional trajectories during Spanish Protectorate in Morocco. These women were pioneers in the Arab studies but beyond the linguistic aspects they gave their visions about Arab society and Arab Women through the prism of colonialism.

Key words: productive and reproductive work, female labour, Arab women, feminism, gender roles