Women in Security: Countering Violent Extremism

With women becoming more outspoken and active for and against violent extremist groups, there is an increased awareness that we need a gender-sensitive response to violent extremism. It is therefore crucial that we move beyond stereotypes about the roles of both men and women, which can be as diverse as victims, recruiters, or perpetrators. Likewise, women’s roles in prevention are not confined to the family and civil society, they are essential within the security sector.

How does taking gender aspects into consideration, in particular in the security sector, help us better address the threat of violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism? And what does a gender-sensitive approach mean in practice? Hear from these experts, who work for police, governments, non-governmental organizations and international organizations, why and how we should have more women in security in order to prevent and counter violent extremism effectively.

Women must be involved in the discussion, especially when it is about them, says Alison Davidian, justice specialist at UN Women. Why do we need gender specific interventions when countering violent extremism? And what does gender mainstreaming actually mean?

What does gender-sensitive responses to countering violent extremism imply, and in particular for law enforcement? Listen to Ankica Tomic, Head of Department for International Co-operation at the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Why is it so crucial that we apply a gender analysis when shaping our response to violent extremism? "The pool of potential terrorists is no longer just angry young men," says Chantal de Jonge Oudraat, President of Women In International Security (WIIS).

Men and women, boys and girls experience violent extremism differently. Listen to Sahana Dharmaputi, Senior Advisor to the One Earth Future Foundation, explaining how UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2005) on Women, Peace and Security can help address this issue effectively and what can be done in each country to ensure that measures to counter violent extremism include a gender perspective.

“It's easier for the ladies to just call Kim or Therese if something happens in the family," say Police Inspector Therese Lutnas and Police Superintendent Kim Anne Marie Hiorth from the Oslo Police District. But it was a lot of work every day to build this trust with the community.