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The Changing Nature of Women in Extremism

Although women have been among the leaders and followers of terrorist organisations throughout modern history, the mass media typically depict female terrorists as interlopers in a male domain. There is currently a blind spot in our understanding of, and reporting on, the role of women in extremism: how and why women are being recruited and what tools will best work to prevent radicalisation. What role does the media play in influencing the decisions female extremists make and how can journalists better cover the issue?