The role of women in contemporary terrorism reflects increasingly complex and challenging dynamics. Historically, women were more often relegated to supporting roles such as logistical aid or domestic services within terrorist networks. However, in recent decades—particularly following the rise of groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS—there has been a significant increase in the active involvement of women as primary actors in violent acts, including suicide bombings and digital recruitment. This phenomenon signals a strategic shift in terrorist organizations, which exploit gender stereotypes to evade security detection.
Women’s motivations for participating in terrorism are not monolithic; rather, they result from the interaction of ideological, psychological, social, and structural factors. Many women are driven by extremist religious narratives, traumatic experiences, social marginalization, or personal relationships with male terrorists. Moreover, social media has become an effective tool in shaping radical identities and extending the reach of violent ideologies to women, especially among the youth. In this context, women’s involvement should not be viewed merely as subordination, but as active agency with strategic roles in terrorist networks.
This phenomenon demands a more holistic and gender-sensitive policy approach in counter-radicalization and deradicalization efforts. Strategies that consider women’s experiences and needs are essential to understanding their motivations and designing effective reintegration programs. Furthermore, it is crucial to re-examine the religious and social narratives used by radical groups to recruit women, involving local actors such as religious leaders, educators, and civil society organizations in building constructive and inclusive counter-narratives.
(WM)
[📸 via National Herald]
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