The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has expressed worry that deeply rooted patriarchal norms are still the major obstacle to women’s participation in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) in East Africa.
On Tuesday, during the inaugural session of a two-day regional capacity-building workshop in Nairobi, NCTC Director General Kibiego Kigen stated that inconsistencies are still a problem that women face when they try to get involved in security matters although their indispensable contribution in fighting the spread of radicalisation through communities is acknowledged.
“Patriarchy and gender stereotypes also are among the major hindrances to the real and effective participation of women in the P/CVE,” Kigen remarked, further explaining that diversity in itself is a guarantee of lasting peace and security.
This conference,whose motto is The Way How Ladies Can Help In Preventing Violent Extremism In East Africa has attracted participation from different groups such as Non-Government Organisations,Academicians, Gender Activists, and Security Agencies.
The emphasis from the organizers is that there is a pressing need for the eradication of social and cultural practices which keep women unfairly sidelined in security matters.
Several topics discussed during the conference included gendered pathways to radicalisation, the vulnerability of women in terrorist recruitment, and building trust between law enforcement and female-led organizations.
The event also highlighted the need for multi-sectoral dialogue as a means of opening up women's participation by facilitating better relationships between departments within the government and academia as well as with civil societies and local communities.
The organiser mentioned that females are not just part of the security forces P/CVE but are the most influential groups at the family and community levels where there are often the earliest indications of radicalisation.
The workshop flagged its ambition of redressing the persistent and closing up of the gap of the women’s ignored potential in the shaping of anti-terror narratives and resilience strategies.
The two-day workshop is being held at a time when terrorist organisations have widely taken advantage of women throughout the region, turning them not only into victims but also into perpetrators, and is thus highlighting the necessity of an approach responsive to gender issues in counterterrorism matters.
