This paper explores the motivations of Western women who traveled to Syria/Iraq to supportthe Islamic State (IS) or Daesh. It draws on previous studies of the phenomenon, insightsfrom practitioners and informal interviews with an individual with first-hand insights. Thedifferent motivations are categorized into three levels: macro, meso and micro. The authorrebukes the intractable stereotype of the “jihadi bride” that (inadvertently) suggests thatwomen are driven mainly by personal motivations or the prospect of marriage, anddemonstrates that female Western supporters of IS/Daesh are motivated by various factors.These include ideological or religious motivations, the pull of the cause, frustration andanger over the perceived worldwide oppression of Muslims, but also the search for a purposein life and for a sense of belonging. Women have been affected by group dynamics andexperiences in their past (including sexual abuse). Some women were attracted by theprospect 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 deepenour understanding of its appeal on women, which requires acknowledging the diversity ofwomen who joined IS/Daesh and recognizing the complexity and multitude of their motivations.