Is it still a man’s world? : female evolution in terrorist organisations based on Rapoport’s theory

Abstract

This dissertation explores the role of women within terrorist groups, aiming to provide a better understanding of this global phenomenon. Whilst the author does acknowledge that women do form part of current terrorism studies, research from the last two decades seems to focus heavily on Islamist organisations and associated female participation. Current academia mentions the roles of females as jihadi brides, suicide bombers or mothers of future freedom fighters. This might suggest that female roles are stereotyped. The research design and methodology adopted in this study remained critical to its success in addressing these objectives. The methodology uses a clear and structured approach, driven by well-defined research questions, aimed at understanding if female leadership is a niche phenomenon or simply under researched. The author uses secondary sources to build upon existing academic literature providing a strong foundation for analysis. Therefore, in this study the author examines the evolution of female roles prior to the events of September 2011. By using case study analysis as the core method for this research, the author examines the biographies, modus operandi, and legacy of three women. The chosen actors: Leila Khaled, Margherita Cagol (Mara), and Dolores González Katarain (Yoyes) are all associated with leadership roles within terrorist organisations, highlighting their defiance of societal norms and active participation in liberation movements in an era preceding the events of September 2011. The findings arising from the analysis of these case studies indicates that female leadership in terrorism is not an innovative phenomenon and has evolved. The analysis of the studies finds how the rise of female leaders is prevalent during the third wave of modern terrorism as highlighted in Prof David Rapoport’s theoretical framework of the four waves. According to Prof Rapoport between 1960 and 1990, a notable shift was seen amongst terrorist organisations that endorsed a Marxist-Leninist ideology. All three actors in the case studies belonged to this era, active in political violence in the name of revolution, adopting military tactics, and standing out for going against ethnic and cultural beliefs of the roles of women in their era. Furthermore, based on the findings, the author provides further recommendations on key elements that emerged in this study. Moreover, the findings could assist in the development of counterterrorism strategies relating to female roles within this global phenomenon, accentuating that by examining the past, lessons could be learned to by providing key areas in need of further research, this could enable future predictions to be made within this global occurrence.