Women and Islamist motivated violent extremism in Kenya : a feminist perspective

Abstract

As the world takes on a globalized outlook with advancements in technological and innovation realms, violent extremism continues to pose major setbacks to the progression of human race while impacting negatively to efforts directed towards security achievement. Of concern is the increased targeted recruitment and radicalization of women into violent extremism with extremist groups seeming to perceive women as vital assets to their operations. This thesis aims to find out the motivating factors that push women into violent extremism and the roles they play within extremist organization, in this case Al-Shabaab in the framework of Kenya while also trying to understand why women are becoming vital assets to extremist organizations. A feminist lens and a gender sensitive approach will aid in an in-depth understanding of the relationship between women and violent extremism with the aim of reaching comprehensive insightful findings useful in bridging the gaps between policy and practice in counterterrorism and countering violent extremism programs in Kenya. The thesis employs a case study approach where ten Kenyan experts in terrorism matters in respect to Al-Shabaab and who due to work position came into contact with victims of violent extremism or returnees have been interviewed with their insights providing a nuanced understanding of the study topic.