This paper explores the motivations of Western women who traveled to Syria/Iraq to support
the Islamic State (IS) or Daesh. It draws on previous studies of the phenomenon, insights
from practitioners and informal interviews with an individual with first-hand insights. The
different motivations are categorized into three levels: macro, meso and micro. The author
rebukes the intractable stereotype of the “jihadi bride” that (inadvertently) suggests that
women are driven mainly by personal motivations or the prospect of marriage, and
demonstrates that female Western supporters of IS/Daesh are motivated by various factors.
These include ideological or religious motivations, the pull of the cause, frustration and
anger over the perceived worldwide oppression of Muslims, but also the search for a purpose
in life and for a sense of belonging. Women have been affected by group dynamics and
experiences in their past (including sexual abuse). Some women were attracted by the
prospect of a clean slate, adventure or a (religious) husband. The author underscores that,
in order to tackle the phenomenon of women supporting IS/Daesh, it is essential to deepen
our understanding of its appeal on women, which requires acknowledging the diversity of
women who joined IS/Daesh and recognizing the complexity and multitude of their
motivations.