Female Suicide Bombers: Victims or Perpetrators?

• In Event: Female Fighters in Combat and on the Ballot

Abstract

Suicide bombing is a mainstream terrorist strategy. However, the increased use of females as suicide bombers have exacerbated the challenges of terrorism and debate on women in conflict. Available data indicate that female suicide bombers caused more casualties than their male counterparts. However, the recruiting of female suicide bombers by Boko Haram to carry out terrorist attacks stands out due to its volume of use. This operation mode first gained prominence in June 2014 when a motorcycle-riding middle-aged female struck at a military checkpoint in Gombe, North-Eastern Nigeria, killing herself and a soldier in the process (Chothia, 2014, Onuoha, 2015). Most literature and commentaries suggest that these females are victims. This passive agency narrative of female suicide bombers is influenced by the group's known strategy of kidnapping young females. This paper draws from documented reports and expert interviews, including psychologists that worked directly with failed suicide bombers to understand the agency and motivation of female suicide bombers. The preliminary finding suggests that 1.) While females are forcefully enlisted in the group, some are active agents, 2.) The active agents are driven by similar motivation as their male counterparts, 3.) The culture and social structure of the northeast that subjugates women play a critical role.

Author

• Patricia C. Agupusi, American University