For hundreds of years, African women have been important to the peace and security of the continent. In the 17th century, a group of female soldiers, known as the Women Warriors of Dahomey, defended their homeland against invaders in what is now the country of Benin. Eritrean women fought alongside their men during Eritrea’s 30-year fight for independence in the 20thcentury. The women also healed the wounded and repaired equipment for return to the battlefield. African women, however, continue to faceharassmentand discrimination at all levels of military service. And when the conflicts ease up, they often receive less recognition than male armed forces members. In South Africa, changes ingenderpolicy have led to a slow improvement in the years since the end of racial separation. Women now make up nearly one fourth of the country’s full-time armed forces. But difficulties remain.