Women in the Proliferation of Terrorism in the Digital Era

Abstract

The development of digital technology has brought about significant changes in the patterns of the spread of extremist ideology and the proliferation of terrorism, including in relation to the changing role of women. Women who were previously more often positioned as victims, family members, or passive supporters in terrorist networks can now take on more diverse roles in the digital terrorism ecosystem. Social media, communication applications, and digital spaces allow women to become targets of propaganda, interact with extremist networks, and under certain conditions contribute to the spread of propaganda and the recruitment process. This study aims to analyze the changing role of women in the proliferation of terrorism in the digital era, identify the forms of women's vulnerability to radicalization and terrorist propaganda through digital spaces, and analyze gender-sensitive counterterrorism strategies. This study uses a normative legal research method with a statutory and conceptual approach. The legal materials used consist of primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials obtained through literature studies and analyzed qualitatively. The results show that digitalization has expanded the space and forms of women's involvement in terrorist networks. Women can no longer be understood solely as victims or passive parties, but can also play roles as disseminators of extremist narratives, communication facilitators, recruiters, and supporters of terrorist networks. At the same time, women can be vulnerable to digital radicalization through propaganda that uses approaches such as identity, family, solidarity, religion, and the need for belonging. However, exposure to digital propaganda does not automatically lead to radicalization, as the process is influenced by various social, psychological, and environmental factors. Therefore, counterterrorism strategies need to integrate a gender perspective through strengthening digital literacy, preventing radicalization, developing counternarratives, empowering women, and engaging families and communities. From a legal perspective, digital counterterrorism policies must also be implemented based on the principles of legality, proportionality, accountability, and respect for human rights. A gender-sensitive approach is needed so that policies can differentiate Women in the Proliferation of Terrorism… (Fulan) 28 LICS 2026 Topic: Strengthening Legal Frameworks for Combating Human Trafficking and Enhancing Protection of Women and Children women's positions as victims, sympathizers, supporters, and active perpetrators without being trapped by gender stereotypes.