Gendering International Security: The Role of Women in Counter Terrorism Efforts in Mombasa County, Kenya (1997-2017)
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Date
2018-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences
Abstract
The United Nations recognized the impact of terrorism on women, and the role and place of women in countering global terrorism. This study aimed at exploring the role that women in countering international terrorism in Kenya, with a special focus on Mombasa County. Its objectives were to; examine international terrorism and counter terrorism within the context of gender, understand motivations behind women’s participation in terrorism and evaluate the role and place of women in countering terrorism in Kenya. The study adopted the descriptive research design, utilizing qualitative data collection methods namely focus group discussion and key informant interviews. It targeted members of peace committees in Mombasa County and used purposive and stratified proportional sampling to draw samples for the study. Descriptive approach was used in data analysis. The study found that women were far more actively involved in terrorism in non-combative or indirect roles, and that they provided the invisible infrastructure for al-Shabaab by enabling, supporting and facilitating violent extremism. The study also found that economic, religious and ideological factors motivated women to participate in terrorism. The women were far more actively involved in terrorism in non-combative or indirect roles, and that they provided the ‘invisible infrastructure’ for al-Shabaab and ISIS by enabling, supporting and facilitating violent extremism. Similarly, it was found that women played operational roles as intelligence gatherers and spies for al-Shabaab. The study concluded that the roles women play were intricately connected to their broader socio-economic, individual, ideological, cultural and political contexts, but at the same time these roles were deeply nuanced and could not be generalised across the board. The study recommended promotion of dialogue and participation of women and women’s organizations in discussions about counter-terrorism (CT) policies and strategies and seek their input in the design of CT programmes. Without the inclusion of women, particularly from civil society and the security sector, CT initiatives are likely to overlook key drivers of violent extremism.
Description
MASTER OF ARTS
In International Relations
Keywords
United Nations, terrorism on women, role and place of women, countering global terrorism., international terrorism in Kenya
Citation
Chotero, E. (2018). Gendering International Security: The Role of Women in Counter Terrorism Efforts in Mombasa County, Kenya (1997-2017). Daystar University, School of Arts and Social Sciences