Terrorism and the role of women foreign fighters

Abstract

Recently, women have joined these terrorist ranks in increasingly large numbers as they were recruited for their capabilities in roles, such as caregiver, communicator, suicide terrorist or recruiter of other female foreign fighters. Capabilities and roles, such as caregiver, communicator, suicide bomber, and recruiter. This utopian society created by groups like ISIS, imposing the rule of Islamic law, often serves as a compelling argument for women, particularly when their recruitment can be coupled with personal grievances and a sense of alienation. The case studies of Muriel Degauque, Sam El Hassani, and Shamima Begum represent diverse methods of recruitment and how far reaching the consequences were for themselves, their loved ones, the communities and also on global aspect. These case studies underline that understanding root causes and processes leading to radicalization is a must, to put forward a tangible proactive prevention policy within a counter-terrorism strategy.