Women as Weapons: The Strategic Use of Female Suicide Bombers

In the evolving world of terrorism, the rise of female suicide bombers represents a significant and troubling shift. Traditionally, terrorism has been a male-dominated sphere, with men occupying roles in planning, executing, and leading attacks. In recent decades, extremist organizations such as Boko Haram in Nigeria, ISIS in the Middle East, and the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka have increasingly deployed women in some of the most violent and high-impact operations. The apparent logic behind this strategy is that women are better suited to circumvent security measures. Terrorist groups exploit societal norms and gender biases, knowing that women often attract less suspicion from security forces. This trend not only challenges security frameworks but also raises profound ethical dilemmas about agency and coercion in violent extremism.

The incorporation of women into terrorist activities complicates the narrative of victim and perpetrator. Many female suicide bombers are coerced, manipulated, or abducted and then forced into carrying out attacks against their will. Yet, others willingly participate, motivated by ideological commitment, personal vengeance, or a belief in martyrdom. This duality creates significant challenges for counterterrorism efforts. Governments and security forces face the challenge of navigating the blurred lines between viewing these individuals as perpetrators to be punished or victims to be rehabilitated. Given the evidence of exploitation and coercion often underlying female involvement in terrorism, a stronger emphasis on rehabilitation is necessary. Counterterrorism strategies must evolve to prioritize gender-sensitive approaches that not only address the tactical advantages terrorist groups gain from involving women but also focus on the unique vulnerabilities and victimization women face, offering pathways for recovery and reintegration over punitive measures.

The History of Suicide Terrorism

Suicide terrorism has evolved into a sophisticated and strategically potent tactic employed by terrorist organizations to achieve political leverage. Robert Pape’s extensive research highlights how groups such as the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka and Hezbollah in Lebanon have systematically used suicide attacks as part of their broader campaigns to pressure governments into conceding to territorial demands. Pape’s analysis demonstrates that these groups achieved varying degrees of success but are particularly successful when targeting democracies, as such states are often more sensitive to public opinion and casualties.

However, the success of suicide terrorism is not solely measured by tangible political outcomes. Its potency lies in its capacity to inflict widespread psychological distress and societal disruption. At its core, suicide terrorism conveys a chilling message: the attackers’ willingness to die for their cause demonstrates an unyielding commitment, aiming to instill fear and undermine public confidence in security measures. This tactic functions as a form of psychological warfare, exploiting its shock value and the media’s amplification to magnify the attack’s impact beyond the immediate physical devastation. By showcasing ideological fervor and unwavering dedication, it seeks to undermine the will of the enemy, fostering a perception of invincibility that demoralizes opposing forces and populations.

Even when territorial or political goals are not achieved, the audacity and symbolic power of suicide attacks magnify their effect. The fear, chaos, and extensive media coverage generated by such acts often serve a broader aim: eroding public confidence in the state’s ability to safeguard its citizens. This dual function of suicide terrorism—both as a coercive tool to apply pressure and as a mechanism of psychological warfare—underscores its enduring relevance in modern conflict. The deployment of female attackers capitalizes on gender-based assumptions about innocence and non-violence, allowing attackers to evade detection. Extremist groups now exploit entrenched gender norms as a force multiplier, achieving greater psychological disruption and community destabilization. Pape argues that such strategies reflect a rational design aimed not at ideological or religious extremism alone but at achieving concrete nationalistic or territorial objectives, underscoring the coldly strategic nature of suicide terrorism.

The Rise of Female Suicide Bombers

Since 2011, Boko Haram, the extremist group based in northeastern Nigeria, has escalated its use of female suicide bombers. Between June 2014 and February 2018, the group deployed or coerced approximately 468 women and girls into executing over 240 suicide attacks, resulting in nearly 1,200 fatalities and around 3,000 injuries, according to the Counterterrorism Center at West Point. 

This use of female suicide bombers is unprecedented; by 2018, women comprised more than half of Boko Haram’s suicide operations. Abducted women are coerced into participation in terrorist activities through a range of manipulative and brutal tactics. Many are pressured into suicide missions, while others are subjected to forced domestic or sexual servitude, fulfilling both immediate violent objectives and supporting long-term indoctrination efforts. Coercion begins with systematic physical and psychological abuse that creates a climate of fear, stripping the victims of agency. Isolated from their families and communities, these women are cut off from the support networks that could help them resist. This isolation is compounded by threats of violence, not just toward the women but also toward their loved ones, leaving them with little choice but to comply.

In many cases, abducted women are initially forced into servitude, performing roles such as domestic labor, logistical support, or enduring sexual slavery. This exploitation dehumanizes the victims while fostering dependence on their captors, making resistance nearly impossible and further entrenching their vulnerability. For some, this servitude serves as a prelude to coercion into suicide missions. Boko Haram exemplifies this systemic coercion by using women in attacks at unprecedented levels, marking a record high among terrorist organizations. Addressing the plight of these women requires gender-sensitive counterterrorism strategies that consider their victimization and coerced participation.

There are tactical reasons for terrorist organizations like Boko Haram, the Tamil Tigers, and ISIS to use female operatives for suicide bombings. Women engaging in these attacks often raise less suspicion, allowing them to bypass checkpoints and reach densely populated or high-value targets. Their perceived vulnerability and the assumption that women are less likely to carry out violent acts offer an edge unavailable to male bombers. Female suicide bombers’ ability to evade detection enhances their utility in asymmetric warfare. Terrorism expert Mia Bloom notes that this tactic aligns with Boko Haram’s asymmetric strategy—employing unconventional methods to challenge a stronger opponent—by using female bombers who can access spaces often off-limits to male operatives. This approach allows the group to exploit vulnerabilities in government or international forces.

Boko Haram has capitalized on the use of female bombers for its distinct psychological impact, underscoring Boko Haram’s ruthless commitment to its cause. Under Abubakar Shekau’s leadership, Boko Haram institutionalized the use of women, leveraging ingrained gender norms as a tool of psychological warfare. By weaponizing women and young girls, traditionally viewed as non-combatants, Boko Haram disrupts cultural expectations in ways that reverberate within affected communities. This tactic undermines the perception of safety within traditionally feminine spaces, such as homes, schools, and markets, turning places of refuge into sites of potential violence. It forces communities to grapple with the unsettling idea that even the most trusted members of society can be co-opted into acts of terror, eroding trust within the community and deepening the psychological toll. Moreover, it blurs the line between combatant and civilian, bringing violent ideology directly into the fabric of daily life and amplifying fear in spaces once considered safe.

The 2024 Gwoza attacks, which resulted in over 30 fatalities and dozens of injuries, have reignited suspicions that jihadist groups are attempting to reinvent themselves and demonstrate their continued capacity for harm. These tragic events illustrate how Boko Haram’s use of female bombers destabilizes community life by targeting public gatherings like weddings, funerals, and hospitals. While women may not always choose different targets than male bombers, their use in densely populated social settings reflects a strategic advantage. Boko Haram exploits cultural perceptions of women as non-threatening to infiltrate these spaces. By striking at the heart of communal life, these attacks erode trust, destabilize social bonds, and shatter the sense of safety in gatherings traditionally associated with care, joy, or mourning.

The Coercion Factor: Victims or Perpetrators?

One of the most complex issues surrounding female suicide bombers is the question of agency. Are these women willing participants in violent extremism, or are they victims coerced into carrying out these attacks? The answer is often not clear-cut. 

In the case of Boko Haram, many of the women used in suicide bombings are kidnapped and forcibly recruited. Human Rights Watch has documented numerous cases of women and girls who Boko Haram abducted and later used as suicide bombers. These women are often brainwashed, physically abused, and threatened with violence if they refuse to participate.

The line between victimhood and agency becomes even blurrier when examining the motivations of some female bombers. While many are coerced, others, particularly in groups like the Tamil Tigers and ISIS, demonstrate ideological commitment. For instance, during the Sri Lankan civil war, female members of the Tamil Tigers’ Black Tigers unit often volunteered for suicide missions, viewing their actions as acts of martyrdom. Similarly, ISIS has deployed female suicide bombers who were ideologically indoctrinated, though coercion and manipulation often remain integral to their recruitment.

This ambiguity creates significant challenges for counterterrorism efforts, as it demands a nuanced understanding of the complex roles women play in violent extremism. Viewing female suicide bombers as victims rather than solely perpetrators requires a paradigm shift in how security forces, policymakers, and the public perceive and address their involvement in terrorism. This shift is not merely theoretical but has direct implications for how these women are apprehended, prosecuted, and reintegrated into society. Policymakers must navigate the difficult balance between ensuring public safety and acknowledging the coercive circumstances under which many women are drawn into terrorism. Focusing on de-radicalization and rehabilitation offers a pathway to address the root causes of their involvement, such as trauma, indoctrination, and lack of agency. 

At the same time, the security risks posed by radicalized women cannot be ignored. Female operatives who retain ideological commitment or have been extensively trained may continue to pose threats if released or reintegrated without proper oversight. As such, counterterrorism strategies must incorporate robust risk assessments and monitoring mechanisms alongside rehabilitative measures. A balanced strategy recognizes that punitive approaches alone are insufficient and may further alienate or radicalize these individuals. Instead, combining rehabilitation with targeted security interventions ensures that counterterrorism policies address both the immediate threat and the long-term goal of breaking cycles of violence.

Counterterrorism and Gender Dynamics

The prevailing, male-centric view of violent extremism has shaped international counterterrorism strategies. However, the growing involvement of women in terrorist activities calls for a strategic reassessment. The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism underscores the need to integrate gender perspectives, stating that “gender mainstreaming is essential for UNOCT to fulfill its mandate.” Assumptions that women are less prone to violence or more likely to be coerced into terrorism can lead to critical security lapses. 

Moreover, the assumption that female suicide bombers are always victims can limit the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts. In cases where women are ideologically committed to violent extremism, framing them solely as victims ignores their agency and undermines efforts to address the root causes of radicalization. A report by the Global Counterterrorism Forum emphasizes the importance of recognizing the dual roles that women can play in terrorism—as both victims and perpetrators. This recognition is crucial for developing more nuanced and effective counterterrorism policies.

The involvement of women in suicide bombings also raises ethical questions about how these individuals should be treated once they are apprehended––whether female bombers should be prosecuted and punished as terrorists or be seen primarily as victims of coercion and exploitation. This is particularly relevant in cases where women are kidnapped and forced into terrorism, as is often the case with Boko Haram. International law provides some guidance on this issue. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recommends a victim-centered approach for individuals who are coerced into committing acts of terrorism, particularly women and children. This approach emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration over punitive measures, recognizing the complex circumstances that lead individuals to participate in violent extremism. However, balancing justice and rehabilitation remains contentious. In cases where women willingly participate in terrorism, the argument for punishment grows stronger. As Bloom points out, even in these instances, women’s involvement is often influenced by broader societal and structural factors such as poverty, lack of education, and gender-based violence. 

To address these issues, counterterrorism strategies must incorporate a gendered perspective that accounts for the unique roles women play in terrorism. This involves enhancing intelligence efforts to identify and monitor female operatives and designing tailored de-radicalization programs. For instance, Nigeria’s Operation Safe Corridor, a rehabilitation initiative for Boko Haram defectors, has started implementing gender-specific programming, such as trauma counseling and vocational training, to address the social and emotional needs of women forced into the group. Expanding these efforts could include offering childcare, creating safe spaces for women to share their experiences, and providing skills training aimed at economic independence, which are critical for reintegration and reducing the risk of re-radicalization. However, these initiatives remain underdeveloped and require substantial investment and international support to achieve lasting impact.

A balanced approach that recognizes the dual roles of women in terrorism, as both victims and actors, is essential for developing effective and humane counterterrorism policies. As female involvement in suicide bombings continues to rise, the international community must adapt its strategies to meet this growing threat.

Views expressed are the author’s own and do not represent the views of GSSR, Georgetown University, or any other entity. Image Credit: CNN