From suicide bombers to positions of authority – the changing role of women in jihadi groups

More women are taking up training and recruiting positions in the Islamic State group and other militant organizations.

By: Sara Harmouch, George Washington University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 1, 2026

Words: 1,592

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 3 days ago

By Sara Harmouch, George Washington University

Khadra Essa, a Somali-born Dutch citizen operating in Syria under the name Umm Qaqa al-Somali, is a wanted woman.

On Sept. 14, 2026, the U.S. State Department again publicized its offer of up to US$5 million for information about her whereabouts, having first offered a reward in April 2025.

The notice describes Essa as the chief sharia instructor of Khatiba Nusaybah, or ISIS-NK, an all-female Islamic …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.