Article by Kotie Geldenhuys;
Photos courtesy of Pexels and Freepik
Women are often seen as victims of crime or as supportive figures, not as key players or perpetrators within organised crime networks. The reality is that women have played significant roles in organised crime throughout history and in modern times, although their involvement is often underreported and less visible. The roles women play can vary widely, from leadership positions to those involving logistics, money laundering or even violent activities. In some cases, women have even led powerful crime syndicates.
The world of organised crime, shadowed by secrecy and stereotypes, is often viewed as a male domain. For many years, the public and policymakers alike held onto the belief that organised crime was solely for men. Yet, as research begins to shine a light on gender roles in these spaces, a different story unfolds. Women are not only victims of crime, as is often assumed with issues such as human trafficking, they can also be active members of criminal organisations, sometimes even wielding authority. This involvement is not always due to coercion or circumstance – for many women, it reflects a personal choice, a path they actively choose. Some may enter through family or romantic ties, but once inside, they often navigate these criminal circles as they seize opportunities to influence or lead within these networks (UNODC, 2022).
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[This is only an extract of an article that is published in Servamus: January 2025. This article is available for purchase.]