Women and Terrorism: A (New) Reality in a Predominantly Masculine World?

• In Event: A Deeper Understanding of People to Help End Terrorism

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is twofold: First, it will seek to comprehensively present the current landscape regarding women's participation in contemporary terrorist groups, including- but not limited to- radical, Salafi-Jihadi organizations. Second, it will discuss the main theories/approaches that attempt to shed light on the motivation, roles, and mediated outcomes of becoming involved in terrorism. Additionally, in the policy recommendations part, we discuss how the integration of women as a factor in counterterrorism can shape more effective preventive strategies by challenging traditional gender stereotypes.
As this is a qualitative study, we have relied mainly on case studies from contemporary terrorist activity -namely, attacks and foiled plots- that took place in the post 9/11 era.

Authors

• Nick Petropoulos, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY

• Heather Jones, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY