Gender & Countering Violent Extremism (CVE)

Authors: Emily Myers

Publication Date: April 2018

Contents: It is important to examine the relationship between violent extremism (VE) and women’s position in society. Gender inequality is one of the best indicators of violent extremism. There is significant overlap between the countries most impacted by violent extremism and the countries where women’s security is most precarious. Violent extremist groups have capitalized on, profited from, and weaponized the subjugation of women. The use of women’s bodies to wage and justify war is apparent in all forms of violent conflict, not just in conflicts involving VE, but analyzing these dynamics with a VE-specific lens is critical to designing effective CVE programs.