The Hidden Face of Terrorism: An Analysis of the Women in Islamic State

As it stands today, counterterrorism approaches aimed to dismantle the Islamic State primarily targets male militants. Astoundingly enough, women are leading contributors to ISIS’ strength and capabilities. Female operatives hold increasingly influential positions in the group’s construction of a proto-state. Women responsibilities include: suitability as a wife to ISIS soldiers; birthing the next generation of jihad; advancing ISIS’ global reach through online recruiting; maintaining order within ISIS’ network of women. All crucial roles in the advancement of the cause. This paper will explore the myriad of activities performed by ISIS’ network of women and analyze why women hold particular roles in the caliphate. A reliable comprehension of these factors can produce essential intelligence in the fight against ISIS.