Feb. 17, 2015
Reports describe many motivations for female foreign fighters — highlighting factors that can be traced back to a woman's sexuality, domesticity or sanity rather than her political agency. The Islamic State appeals to women, some reports say, because it offers them a life of adventure, purpose, and access to devout, strong Muslim husbands. Women find the idea of raising a Muslim family in an Islamic state alluring, particularly surrounded by a strong sisterhood of like minded women, which they can see via their colorful social media accounts. But beyond these gendered factors, women may also join ISIS or al-Nusra because they are passionate ideologues, determined to fight for an organization that promises a return to a golden Islamic era where Muslim people thrived.