Women: Silent Victims of Terrorism—From Sexual Slavery to Tools of War

Farshid Bahador, PhD Candidate in Political Sociology, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran

According to the Encyclopedia of 23000 Terror Victims of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 649 women have been assassinated by terrorist groups. As the world commemorates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, this article shines a light on the profound and often overlooked suffering of women caught in the web of terrorism. It explores their dual roles as both victims and potential agents of change, urging a global reckoning with the atrocities they endure and the vital contributions they can make toward peace and resilience.

Terrorism is a multifaceted phenomenon, encompassing political, social, economic, and ideological dimensions that demand extensive and scholarly examination. Among its many victims, women stand out as one of the most vulnerable social groups. Confronted by terrorism, they endure not only physical and psychological harm but are also frequently stripped of their fundamental human rights. Through abductions, sexual enslavement, military exploitation, and psychological violence, terrorism transforms women into defenseless casualties. Yet, amidst this suffering, the active participation of women in countering terrorism—whether at local or international levels—offers a promising and effective strategy to curb this scourge. 

Researchers in this field, assert that terrorism, as a complex phenomenon, not only threatens global security but also leaves devastating impacts on the social, economic, and cultural fabric of societies. He argues that women’s role in terrorism has always been dual: on one hand, they are primary victims of human rights abuses perpetrated by terrorist groups; on the other, some are unwittingly drawn into the war machinery of these organizations. To counter this trend, the international community must enforce stricter laws to halt the exploitation of women by terrorist groups while providing essential social and psychological support to survivors. 

Women, as one of society’s most vulnerable groups, fall prey to both direct and indirect violence stemming from terrorist activities. This violence spans a wide spectrum—from targeted killings and suicide attacks to sexual slavery and instrumental use in proxy wars. Beyond these immediate horrors, the psychological, social, and economic fallout of terrorism plunges women into poverty, homelessness, and deprivation of basic rights, weakening the very structure of their communities. 

Terrorism and Women: Dimensions of a Global Tragedy

1. Murder and Physical Violence Against Women

In numerous terrorist attacks, women, as civilian casualties, bear the brunt of direct violence. Statistics reveal that a significant proportion of those killed or injured in suicide bombings and terrorist explosions are women. These attacks, often designed to sow fear and chaos, target women precisely because of their pivotal roles in families and communities, making them prime targets for disruption. 

2. Sexual Slavery and Systematic Exploitation

One of the most organized crimes committed by terrorist groups in recent decades is the enslavement of women for sexual purposes. Extremist factions exploit sexual slavery as a tool for social control, financial gain, and recruitment. In some cases, women and girls are traded in illegal markets or distributed among group members as "war spoils." It is argued that while these groups claim to defend women’s rights, they subject them to relentless abuse in practice, defying international laws and conventions. Reports indicate that many women within terrorist organizations are coerced into forced marriages, subjected to sexual violence, and even forced sterilization. Groups like PJAK and the PKK, according to confessions from defectors, have been notorious for their severe mistreatment of women. 

3. Women as Tools in Terrorist Operations

In certain regions, terrorists systematically deploy women as suicide bombers or operatives. This tactic stems from several factors: first, women are less likely to arouse suspicion from security forces, enabling them to infiltrate sensitive areas with ease. Second, terrorist groups exploit cultural and social pressures to coerce some women into carrying out suicide missions. This phenomenon has been widely observed in parts of the Middle East and Africa. 

Consequences of Terrorism on Women and Societies

1. Psychological and Social Impacts

Women who survive terrorist attacks often grapple with profound psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. These conditions not only disrupt their personal lives but also contribute to broader social instability. Communities that abandon these wounded women without support inadvertently pave the way for poverty, violence, and societal unrest. 

2. Poverty, Displacement, and Homelessness

Terrorist attacks and the ensuing conflicts destabilize economies and societies, turning countless women into refugees and displaced persons. In refugee camps, these women face threats such as human trafficking, forced marriages, and economic exploitation. The absence of legal and financial support exacerbates their plight, rendering them silent victims of global crises. 

3. Barriers to Education and Social Participation

Terrorism also stifles women’s social progress. In regions dominated by extremist ideologies, women are denied education, employment, and civic engagement. The closure of girls’ schools, attacks on educational institutions, and the imposition of draconian restrictions on women’s social activities are common tactics used by terrorist groups to enforce control. 

Strategies to Mitigate Terrorism’s Impact on Women

1. Empowering Women in Policymaking

A critical step in combating terrorism is amplifying women’s voices in peace processes. Their involvement in peace negotiations, counter-terrorism initiatives, and community rehabilitation programs can reduce their vulnerability. International studies demonstrate that women’s participation in peace processes significantly enhances their sustainability. 

2. Enhancing Education and Awareness

Educating women about the threats of terrorism, extremist tactics, and protective measures is a powerful tool to lessen their vulnerability. Long-term strategies, such as supporting girls’ education and ensuring equal access to academic and professional opportunities, can also prevent the spread of extremism in future generations. 

3. Combating Human Trafficking and Sexual Slavery

The trafficking of women and their sexual exploitation are direct consequences of terrorism. Addressing this crisis requires stricter laws and international collaboration to identify and prosecute perpetrators. Governments and global institutions must bolster support systems, offering survivors economic and social opportunities to reclaim their lives. 

4. Legal and International Action Against Terrorist Groups

Establishing effective legal frameworks to prosecute terrorist groups responsible for crimes against women is essential to curbing this phenomenon. Trying terrorist leaders in international courts and imposing stringent sanctions on their financial backers are vital tools to dismantle their networks. 

Terrorism has waged a silent war against women, destroying not only individual lives but also the social and economic foundations of entire communities. Though women are its primary victims, they hold immense potential to fight back. No counter-terrorism strategy can succeed without recognizing their role in security, social, and economic policymaking. Beyond military measures, combating terrorism demands the empowerment of communities, the protection of women’s rights, and the creation of equal opportunities for all. The global community must adopt comprehensive and effective measures to support women affected by terrorism and prevent the perpetuation of this violence.