New OSCE policy brief sheds light on linkages between violent misogynistic and violent extremist attitudes

The prevalence of violent misogynistic attitudes across the ideological spectrum of violent extremism, and the risks related to overlooking this issue in policymaking, is the focus of a new OSCE policy brief published today in Vienna.

“Linkages between Violent Misogyny and Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism” (VERLT) provides concrete recommendations for further research and policy development, aiming to enhance gender-responsive approaches to preventing and countering VERLT in the OSCE area.

“We must not shy away from addressing the sexist and violent misogynistic attitudes that are common in violent extremist groups, and some online environments. This reality shows that a gender perspective is urgently needed to better understand the dynamics of political violence and violent extremism,” said Dr Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, emphasized in her opening remarks.

The launch event, organized jointly by the OSCE Gender Issues Programme and the OSCE Transnational Threats Department’ s Action against Terrorism Unit, convened 59 representatives (38 females and 21 males) from governments, international organisations, civil society, and academia across the OSCE area.

The policy brief findings and recommendations, and the gaps and existing good practices in addressing violent misogyny in P/CVERLT policy were discussed by a panel of government, civil society and academic experts.

Furthermore, in a small roundtable held after the launch, technical experts identified concrete recommendations for the OSCE and its participating States on how to mitigate risks related to violent misogyny in VERLT while applying human rights compliant and “Do No Harm” –approaches.

“There is a clear lack of international policy response to misogyny in the context of violent extremism, including its transnational and trans-ideological nature. Anti-equality sentiments must be addressed as a systemic issue, including their detrimental effect on women and minorities' human rights. We need to see this as part of our work in the prevention of violent extremism”, concluded Ariane Wolf from the Violence Prevention Network in the roundtable discussion.

The policy brief was commissioned under the WIN for Women and Men: Strengthening Comprehensive Security through Innovating and Networking for Gender Equality (WIN) project. This project advances gender equality to achieve and maintain stable, prosperous, and peaceful societies in the OSCE area.