Engaging women in countering violent extremism: avoiding instrumentalisation and furthering agency

Violent Extremism, Women, Peace, and Security, Radicalization

This article examines the limitations of prevention and countering violent extremism programmes and policies in engaging with women, their roles, and gender-sensitivity. Recognizing women’s agency, diversity in voices and experiences, and knowledge is fundamental to ensuring their rights and sustainable peace. Their full participation at all levels of decision-making in the design and implementation of preventing and countering violent extremism (PVE/ CVE) contributes to the effectiveness and sustainability of these efforts.