Muslim Female Fighters: An Emerging Trend

Citation:

Ali, Farhana. 2005. “Muslim Female Fighters: An Emerging Trend.” Terrorism Monitor 3 (21): online.

Author: Farhana Ali

Abstract:

Muslim women are increasingly joining the global jihad, some motivated by religious conviction to change the plight of Muslims under occupation, and recruited by al-Qaeda and local terrorist groups strained by increased arrests and deaths of male operatives. Attacks by female fighters, also known as the mujahidaat, are arguably more deadly than those conducted by male jihadists, attributed in part to the perception that women are unlikely to commit such acts of horror, and when they do, the shock or “CNN factor” of their attacks draws far greater media attention than male bombers. Increasing awareness with instant media attention can motivate other women to commit similar attacks.

Topics: Combatants, Female Combatants, Gender, Women, Media, Military Forces & Armed Groups, Non-State Armed Groups, Religion, Violence

Year: 2005

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