The good practices presented in this document address: (1) general practices on women and gender in the CVE context; (2) countering women and girls’ involvement in violent extremism and terrorism; (3) advancing women and girls’ roles in CVE; and (4) women and girls as victims of violent extremism and terrorism. This list of good practices is not intended to be exhaustive.
This document distinguishes between women as actors in CVE and the ‘gendered’ nature of violent extremism. Women are subjected to a range of gendered experiences based on assumptions about masculine and feminine roles as they relate to economic, political, social and cultural realties. Gender-related assumptions shape available opportunities, rights, recruitment, and roles within organizations for both women and men. This document includes a focus on women’s gender-based interactions with, and treatment by, the organizations of social and political life as they pertain to violent extremism. It is also important to recognize the larger framework of human rights in which this discussion takes place.
Practical integration of women and girls into all aspects of CVE programming can only occur in the context of broader guarantees of the human rights of women and girls in particular; these include addressing the causes of gender inequality such as the subordination of women and discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, age, and other factors. The promotion and protection of women’s rights and gender equality needs to underlie CVE programs and strategies. The human rights of women and girls, as with all human rights, should be promoted and protected at all times and not just as a means for CVE.
Finally, States may also benefit from posing several key questions. These include: How do governments effectively facilitate initiatives that are often created independently? Do the initiatives and organizations know how to get support from their government if needed? How visible does government support need to be, and could certain projects be best served by maintaining some degree of independence? Do governments have the capacity to effectively support grass roots efforts?
GOOD PRACTICES:
1: Include women and girls and gender mainstreaming in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all policies, laws, procedures, programs and practices related to CVE.
2: Ensure that CVE efforts counter women and girls’ involvement in violent extremism, including by identifying gender dynamics in radicalization leading to terrorism and preventing it among women and girls.
3: Recognize and promote the different roles of women and girls as critical stakeholders in CVE, including in developing more localized, inclusive, credible, resonant, and effective approaches.
4: Protect the human rights of women and girls, including their equality, nondiscrimination, and equal participation, and ensure that CVE efforts do not stereotype or instrumentalize, women and girls.
5: Prevent and address the direct and indirect impacts of violent extremism and terrorism on women and girls.
6: Involve men and boys in mainstreaming gender, advancing women and girls’ participation in CVE, and inclusive efforts to prevent and respond to violent extremism.
7: Include gender-sensitive monitoring and evaluation in CVE policy and programs to enhance effectiveness.
8: Build and use evidence-based approaches to identify and effectively address the factors that lead to women and girls’ involvement in violent extremism and terrorism.
9: Ensure that CVE efforts, including alternative-narratives, address women and girls’ involvement in violent extremism and terrorism.
10: Develop gender-sensitive disengagement, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs that address the specific needs of women and girls on a path to terrorist radicalization or involved in violent extremism.
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