Well, yes and no to both questions.

The books state that women often carried daggers and had poison pins, as well as possibly other small weapons. A FW had to be effective and rely upon a surprise tactic as it is stated.

"It is nothing for a man to overpower a female." (Tribesman of Gor, p.143).

"WHAT???!!!" You say? Well there are a few examples of this. First off there are a few examples of Women using a short bow and crossbow -- BUT -- only for the enjoyment of hunting.

WAIT WAIT! Another example of a Woman with a weapon -- We have all heard of the Panthers and Talunas. Panthers living the northern forests of Gor and Talunas inhabiting the jungles near Schendi. These women never wielded swords and rarely ever entered a City. Upon entering, enslavement and capture would most likely soon follow. They were not trained by Men and their use of weapons were more for survival than fighting.

So what about a Woman and a sword You ask?

"The strength of a full-grown woman is equivalent to a twelve-year old boy." (Tribesman of Gor, p.223)

The second is Tarna, a self-acclaimed bandit and warrior. Wielding a scimitar, She was placed at the head of the bandits by who else? A MAN!!! She was easily defeated and Tarl Cabot noted that she was not equally comparible to a MALE Warrior.

This, of course, does not give the approval that FW should be wielding swords or weapons. These are examples of the rare instances that it has occured. Even in Tharna, though ruled by a Woman (the Tatrix). She had Her Warriors and Guards of the City defend and wield the weaponry. Those Warrior and Guards being MEN!!!

Woman do not usually "fight back" in fear that they will be slain. And when they do fight back, it is in defense and they are using daggers and poison pins. Ar even considered arming slaves before letting Woman fight the attack against Cos.

So, why do some Women feel the need to arm themselves with weapons?

"All women need the protection of men, though sometimes this protection is so profound and so familiar as to escape notice. But let the barriers of civilization lapse, even for a day, and their need for men would become unmistakably apparent." (Vagabonds of Gor, p.206)

A FW is known for her demure and wit. She can hold sophisticated conversations. She can continue the blood line of a Man. She can upkeep a household. Doing all this with pride and poise as this is Her place on Gor. Her job of continuing the blood line and raising the children is an important one. It is pretty much one of the only way that Gor grows. Everyone had a Mother.