Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, this amendment takes an important step toward fighting terrorism. It would require the Director of National Intelligence to submit an intelligence assessment on the relationship between women and violent extremism and terrorism. Madam Chair, to prevent ISIS 2.0 and to improve U.S. counterterrorism and peace-building efforts, we need to pay more attention to the roles that women play in violent extremism, including as victims, as perpetrators, and as preventers. First, as victims, women are often the first targets of terrorism. We have seen it with the abduction and rape of thousands of women and girls by ISIS, the kidnapping of hundreds of girls by Boko Haram in Nigeria, and the attack of girls just trying to go to school by the Taliban. Secondly, Madam Chair, women are not only the victims of terrorism. Some are perpetrators. Recent research shows that women are turning to terror organizations because of false promises of protection, escape from abuse at home, and even, believe it or not, for leadership opportunities. As a result, women-led attacks are rising. In fact, now, 20 to 30 percent of foreign terrorist fighters are women. In sub- Saharan Africa alone, three out of four child suicide bombers are girls. Madam Chair, women are not only victims and perpetrators of terrorism. They are also preventers, as mothers, wives, and daughters. They influence their spouses and children.…”