CTED Open Briefing "The Role of Women in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism"

The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) held an open briefing 9 Sept. 2015 on “the role of women in counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism.” This is the first time CTED has held a briefing specifically highlighting the contributions of women in combatting terrorism and extremism, a topic of particular relevance in light of the upcoming 15th anniversary of UNSC Res. 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. CTED in the briefing concept note reiterated that “Through their influence on the family, community and Government, women can play a positive and proactive role as agents of change to build resilience to radicalization, violence and conflict.” This was reflected in Resolution 2129 (2013) which reaffirmed the Security Council’s intention to increase attention to Women, Peace, and Security in all areas of work including addressing terrorist acts.

The briefing featured a panel of civil society activists from regions particularly affected by terrorism and extremism and was attended by Member States and international organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Prof. Jayne Huckerby of Duke University, moderator, noted that women have three roles in CVE: as perpetrators of terrorism, actors who can counter CVE and terrorism, and victims. However the international community rarely acknowledges women as anything other than victims.

Sureya Roble-Hersi from Kenya noted that women often have a lot of information about growing extremism in their communities but are too afraid to share it. In particular Kenyan women often have knowledge of family members travelling to Somalia to joining Al-Shabab. Her organisation, Mandelo Ya Wanawake, addressed this issue by arranging female police women to advise women on what information to share with the police. She also emphasised the need to reintegrate returnees into society, this could be achieved through support groups for mothers and family of returnees.

Women should also be trained to identify extremism in their family and community, however for this to be successful women must have more confidence to speak up about these issues in patriarchal communities. Pastor Eshter Ibanga noted that “in Nigeria, as well as most African nations, the involvement of women in security issues is seen as an alien culture but also taboo and sometimes quite offensive to men.” Women can be a great resource in encouraging tolerance through their informal networks but must first be empowered to advocate for moderation and peace.

The panel concluded with a number of recommendations which echo Res. 1325, particularly that women be involved in all spheres of decision-making and be engaged to build a cohesive community. Hanaa Edwar (Iraqi Women’s Network) stressed the need for governments to include women in terrorism and CVE strategies. The panelists also called for gender-sensitive data collection of violent extremism recruiting and women as perpetrators. They also stressed the need for long-term programs to engage women in CVE and dedicated funds set aside for women’s organisations (the Assistant Secretary General of UN Women suggested 15% of all marked CVE funds.)

Women remain an untapped resource in CVE. Their engagement at all levels, the family, the community, national government, and globally is necessary to address the growing threat of terrorism and extremism. However women are generally regarded only as victims in the context of terrorism. The open briefing was a good opportunity for Member States to be informed about these issues and potential solutions, however the United Nations must avoid siloing and continue to incorporate women’s participation into all parts of the security agenda moving forward.

The Counter-Terrorism Committe produced a reveiew of the Open Briefing here.