Gendered Analysis of “Push and Pull Factors” towards Radicalization and Violent Extremism

Abstract

It is important to understand the unique vulnerability of women to extremist ideas and the peculiar impacts extremism has on them. At the same time, it is also important to understand how women can exercise their agency to resist extremism and what are the capacities that they need in order to do this. This study aims to understand the structural realities that shape women’s worldview and behaviour as well as the factors that may help them deal with intense extremism. It is the nuanced understanding of the various factors that determine the interplay between this structure-agency duality that may lead to policy recommendations aimed at reshaping social realities. Given the gendered underpinnings of this agenda, the very promotion of gender equality is a counter-measure to the spread of deep-rooted aggressive ideologies. Women are well placed to help build cohesive communities, inform and lead a prevention response to tensions and demonstrate a clear recognition of the need for a gender sensitive approach to countering violent extremism.