Abstract
This dissertation investigates the critical examination of epistemic violence and its repercussions on the erasure of Algerian women within the prevailing master narratives of the Algerian War of Independence. Situated at the intersection of decolonial feminisms and narrative construction, this study aims to challenge established historical accounts to foster a more inclusive understanding of history by exploring how dominant narratives have overlooked the pivotal roles Algerian women played in the anti-colonial struggle, leaving their voices unheard. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on theories of decolonial feminism, narrative construction, and historical analysis. Through an examination of primary sources, including French colonial archives, testimonies, and cultural productions, supplemented by literary analyses of works by Assia Djebar, Djamila Amrane-Minne, Zohra Drif, and others, this study uncovers the mechanisms of epistemic violence that perpetuate the exclusion of women's stories. The project highlight the pervasive nature of epistemic violence in shaping historical narratives, as well as its implications for understandings of gender, identity, and memory in the context of the Algerian war of independence. By amplifying women's voices, this research confronts the perpetuation of gender-based epistemic violence and the silencing of women's contributions, thus contributing to a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the Algerian War of Independence. Ultimately, this study calls for a reevaluation of historical methodologies to recognize the agency and experiences of Algerian women in shaping historical narratives, with broader implications for decolonial struggles and feminist movements globally.