Female suicide bomber

Female suicide bombers have become an increasingly prevalent phenomenon in recent years, particularly as popular symbols in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

While some argue that the increasing prevalance of female suicide bombers is a sign of the rising status of women in Arab culture, others argue the reverse: that the desire to become a martyr stems from the marginalization of women in Arab society.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

• Wafa Idris, 27 January 2002
• Darine Abu Aisha, 27 February 2002
• Ayat al-Akhras, 30 March 2002
• Andalib Suleiman, 25 April 2002
• Hiba Daraghmeh, 19 May 2003
• Reem Raiyshi, 14 January 2004

Iraq

• two women, 3 April 2003

Russia

• Zulikhan Yelikhadzhiyeva and (unknown), 5 July 2003

Chechnya

• 1 woman, 29 April 2001
• Shakhidat Baimuradova, 14 May 2003
• 1 woman, June 2003

Sources

• Barbara Victor, Army of Roses: Inside the World of Palestinian Women Suicide Bombers. Rodale, 2003.

See also

• Suicide bombing