Dr Elizabeth Pearson’s paper is titled: A Gendered Approach to Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) and Counterterrorism (CT)

Dr Elizabeth Pearson (Lecturer in Criminology) presented on the topic: ‘Gendered Approaches to Understanding Women’s and Men’s Involvement in terrorism and violent extremism’. Her presentation took place on day 1 of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) event A Gendered Approach to Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) & Counterterrorism (CT). This two-day conference was held in Dakar, Senegal, and convened by GCTF with Algeria, Germany, Egypt and the European Union. It focused on terrorism in East and West Africa, and policy makers as well as representatives from think tanks and United Nations entities from across the regions attended.

In the presentation on 10 May 2022, Dr Pearson discussed five key points. First, the need to challenge stereotypes and assumptions that ignore the possibility of women’s violence. Second, that women don’t have to be violent to matter in terrorist groups. Third, gender is not just about women and gendered approaches also help understand men’s violence. Fourth, gendered assumptions in CT and CVE, as well as deradicalization and disarmament programmes can prove counterproductive. Finally, we need to ensure gender data is captured in all monitoring and evaluation, in order to better understand the problems faced and tailor CVE and CT programming accordingly.

The Panel was moderated by Abdelghani Merabet, the Director of International Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Algeria.