The Socio-Economic Impact of Violent Extremism on Women in Peshawar

Abstract

The prevalence of Violent Extremism (VE) and its socioeconomic impact on women significantly threatens society and national security by destabilizing communities, promoting radicalization, and weakening social cohesion, particularly in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. The legacies of the Soviet-Afghan War and the War on Terror have deepened societal fault lines marked by violence, political indifference, conservative traditions, and strong religious influences. Despite enhanced government efforts against VE, the specific challenges faced by women, who bear a disproportionate burden, remain largely overlooked. By using a mixed-methods approach and sequential explanatory design, this research focuses on the socio-economic impact of VE on women in Peshawar, examining how structural inequalities, lack of access to education, economic marginalization, and patriarchal norms contribute to their vulnerability. Additionally, women’s marginalization and economic disenfranchisement increase their vulnerability to recruitment by extremist groups—a critical and often underexamined issue in Pakistan. This vulnerability undermines societal structures and perpetuates cycles of extremism, hindering the state’s ability to achieve long-term stability in the region.  The study proposes an "Integrated Resilience Framework (IRF)" with two key dimensions: Social and Institutional Measures, and Behavioral and Ideological Approaches. The IRF emphasizes empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and their inclusion in the decision-making process. By integrating these gender-sensitive strategies into the CVE policy framework, this research aims to reduce the impact of VE on women and strengthen their role as agents of societal resilience and positive change.