The Deradicalisation and Disengagement of Women Convicted of Terrorism Offences in Spain

Understanding what motivates a woman to deradicalise or disengage from a terrorist organisation remains among the less explored academic topics today. This study explores the reasons why thirteen women in Spain either began their process of disengagement from IS, and/or initiated a change in their belief system. The research is based on personal interviews with inmates linked to the Islamic State, as well as with prison officials, psychologists, and educators. The article shows that the decision to stop deviant behaviour, or the experience of a cognitive rejection of beliefs, was preceded by disenchantment, the acquisition of new goals, or the feeling of being accepted by and/or integrated into new social networks.