Dr. Syedah Sadia Kazmi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Management and Technology, Lahore, brings her expertise in counter-terrorism, national security studies, and fifth-generation warfare to bear on one of the most urgent yet overlooked dimensions of political violence: its disproportionate impact on women. In this far-reaching interview conducted for International Women's Day, Dr. Kazmi examines how terrorism—whether perpetrated by non-state militant groups or state-sponsored actors—creates unique and enduring vulnerabilities for women as direct victims, widows, orphans, and displaced persons. She offers incisive analysis of how terrorist organizations strategically exploit women as suicide bombers, propagandists, and human shields, while also illuminating the remarkable resilience of women who transform personal grief into social activism and national healing. Drawing on Pakistan's extensive counter-terrorism experience—from military operations like Zarb-e-Azb to the National Action Plan—Dr. Kazmi identifies concrete lessons that can support justice advocacy for women victims across borders, including in Iran. She also addresses the role of digital terrorism, the concealment and amplification of women's exploitation by media in fifth-generation warfare, and the potential of strategic projects like CPEC to enhance women's security. Throughout, Dr. Kazmi centers the voices and needs of women victims as essential to effective counter-terrorism strategies and long-term regional stability. Below is the full exclusive interview.
1. Drawing from your expertise in counter-terrorism and national security studies, how has terrorism in South Asia and West Asia disproportionately impacted women – as direct victims, widows, orphans, or displaced persons?
Terrorism in South Asia and West Asia has disproportionately affected women as direct victims of violence, abductions, and intimidation by militant groups. Many women become widows when male family members are killed in attacks or security operations, leaving them economically and socially vulnerable. They also bear the burden of caring for orphaned children and injured relatives. Additionally, terrorism driven displacement exposes women to poverty, insecurity, and limited access to healthcare and education. Thus, the impact of terrorism on women extends beyond immediate violence to long term social and economic hardship.
2. In what ways do terrorist groups exploit women (as suicide bombers, propaganda tools, human shields, or within their internal structures), and what similarities or differences do you observe in these patterns across Pakistan and neighbouring countries?
Overall, women are strategically manipulated to enhance operational reach and ideological influence. Terrorist groups often exploit women as suicide bombers, recruiters, propagandists, and sometimes as human shields to evade security scrutiny. In Pakistan and neighboring countries such as Afghanistan and India, these patterns show similarities in using women to gain operational advantage and media attention. However, differences arise from local cultural and militant dynamics; some groups restrict women to support roles while others actively deploy them in attacks.
3. From a strategic perspective, how does state-sponsored terrorism create unique and severe vulnerabilities for women compared to non-state terrorist actors?
From a strategic perspective, state sponsored terrorism can create deeper vulnerabilities for women because it involves organized support, resources, and political backing that prolong conflict and instability. Such conditions often lead to widespread displacement, breakdown of law enforcement, and weak protection mechanisms for civilians. Women in these environments face higher risks of violence, exploitation, and economic marginalization. Unlike isolated non state actors, state backed groups can sustain operations longer, intensifying insecurity for communities. Consequently, women experience prolonged social, psychological, and economic hardships in affected regions.
4. In your research on terrorism and security, what role do you attribute to the resilience of women and families of victims (such as Iranian mothers and sisters who have lost loved ones to terrorist attacks)?
My research in terrorism studies, often allows me focus on the resilience of victims’ families, especially women. And I found they play a crucial role in societal recovery and resistance to extremist narratives. Mothers and sisters of victims often become symbols of moral strength, preserving the memory of those lost and advocating against violence. Their voices strengthen community solidarity and delegitimize terrorism’s ideological appeal. In countries such as Iran, these women frequently transform personal grief into social activism. Strategically, such resilience helps reinforce national unity and long term societal stability.
5. International Women’s Day offers a platform to highlight women’s rights against terrorist violence. How can policymakers and researchers better centre the voices and needs of women victims of terrorism in global security agendas?
Policymakers and researchers can better centre women victims of terrorism by including them in policy consultations, peacebuilding initiatives, and victim support programs. Their experiences should inform security policies, rehabilitation strategies, and counter terrorism research. Providing legal aid, psychosocial support, and economic opportunities is also essential for long term recovery. Platforms such as International Women’s Day can amplify these voices globally. This approach strengthens both human security and more inclusive counter terrorism strategies.
6. Given your work on 5th Generation Warfare and the role of media, how do mainstream and social media sometimes conceal or inadvertently amplify the exploitation of women by terrorist groups?
The 5th Generation Warfare, mainstream and social media can inadvertently amplify women’s exploitation by giving terrorist propaganda wide visibility, normalizing violence, or sensationalizing attacks involving women. At the same time, media tends to conceal the full scope of abuse by focusing on dramatic incidents while neglecting systemic exploitation, displacement, or coercion. Platforms like social media also allow terrorist groups to recruit, spread ideology, and manipulate narratives using women as symbols or operatives. This dual role of amplification and concealment shapes public perception and often advance terrorist objectives.
7. In the context of counter-terrorism, what strategies do you recommend for psychological, social, and legal support of women survivors and families affected by terrorism, particularly in Muslim-majority societies?
Muslim societies should combine psychological counseling, community based social support, and accessible legal protection. Trauma informed care and counseling help women cope with loss and violence, while social programs provide economic empowerment and reintegration opportunities. Also the legal frameworks must ensure protection from further abuse, support for widows and orphans, and avenues for justice against perpetrators. And to ensure that these interventions are culturally accepted, effective, and sustainable, there should be collaboration with local religious and community leaders too.
8. You have analysed China-Pakistan relations and CPEC; could such strategic projects serve as opportunities to enhance women’s security against cross-border terrorism or instability threats?
Yes, strategic projects like CPEC can enhance women’s security by promoting economic development, education, and local employment, which reduce vulnerability to cross border terrorism and instability. Infrastructure and connectivity can improve access to healthcare, social services, and safe mobility for women. Incorporating gender sensitive planning and community engagement ensures that women benefit directly from these initiatives. Moreover, stable economic growth can strengthen local governance and resilience, indirectly reducing the appeal and impact of extremist networks on vulnerable populations.
9. From a strategic studies viewpoint, what are the long-term geopolitical consequences when women are systematically victimised or instrumentalised in terrorism, and how does this undermine national security?
Systematic victimisation or instrumentalisation of women in terrorism has long term geopolitical consequences by eroding social cohesion, weakening human capital, and undermining state legitimacy. It perpetuates cycles of violence, displacement, and economic marginalisation, making communities more susceptible to radicalisation. Strategically, targeting women destabilises families and local governance structures, which in turn diminishes national resilience and hinders counter terrorism efforts. Over time, such gendered exploitation can shift regional power dynamics, exacerbate humanitarian crises, and complicate international security cooperation.
10. Pakistan and Iran face shared terrorist threats (including Takfiri groups). What lessons from Pakistan’s counter-terrorism experiences could support justice advocacy for Iranian women victims of terrorism?
Pakistan’s counter terrorism experience offers several lessons that could support justice advocacy for Iranian women victims of terrorism. First, sustained military and law enforcement operations like Operation Zarb e Azb and Radd ul Fasaad demonstrate the importance of coordinated state action to dismantle extremist networks, reducing violence that disproportionately affects civilians including women and families.
Second, Pakistan’s National Action Plan reflects how integrating socio economic initiatives alongside security measures can address root causes of radicalisation and support community resilience.
Third, strengthening regional cooperation and intelligence sharing emphasis in Pakistan Iran security dialogue helps in cross border justice efforts and can amplify legal advocacy for victims.
Advocacy frameworks should also ensure victim voices are included in policy and judicial processes, combining state action with civil society engagement to seek accountability and reparations.
11. In your writings on digital terrorism and psychological operations, how are these tools used to recruit control, or exploit women in terrorist organisations, and what countermeasures would you suggest?
Digital terrorism and psychological operations exploit women by using social media and online propaganda to recruit, radicalize, and manipulate them into operational or symbolic roles. Extremist groups often target women with tailored messaging that appeals to ideology, identity, or personal grievances, while controlling narratives to normalize violence and obedience. To counter this, states and civil society should implement digital literacy programs, monitor extremist content, provide safe online reporting channels, and offer rehabilitation and deradicalization initiatives. Engaging women as community advocates and content creators can also disrupt recruitment networks and amplify counter narratives effectively.
12. To conclude, on this International Women’s Day, what hopeful and practical message would you like to share with the women of Iran and their families who continue fighting for justice and a terrorism-free future?
On this International Women’s Day, I want to share a deeply compassionate message to the brave women of Iran and their families who continue to endure hardship, loss, and the fallout of violence while striving for justice and peace. Your courage in the face of repression, discrimination, and terrorism from grassroots protests to steadfast advocacy for rights and dignity, inspires people far beyond your borders and reminds the world that the quest for freedom and equality is universal.
Though the road ahead may be difficult, your voices matter and your resilience strengthens the moral fabric of humanity; each step you take toward justice and terrorism free future builds hope for the next generation. Know that your struggle for human rights and dignity is seen, respected, and supported by communities and advocates around the globe, and that peace and justice remain worth pursuing with unwavering resolve.