In Morocco, the role of women in countering violent extremism (CVE) has gained significant attention, particularly in 2024, as the government launched an ambitious programme aimed at empowering female religious leaders to become active voices against radicalisation. The programme, which integrates women into religious leadership roles, empowers them to challenge extremist interpretations of religious texts and foster peace within their communities.
Keywords : Women, Extremism, Religious
Background and Need for Female Religious Leaders
For decades, Morocco has been a regional leader in combating violent extremism. The country has faced persistent challenges with radicalisation, especially amongst young people and marginalised communities. Whilst men have traditionally dominated religious leadership roles, a shift towards integrating women in this sphere began to take root in recent years. Morocco’s government recognised that women, particularly mothers and community leaders, possess unique capabilities to address the root causes of extremism, such as social isolation, economic disenfranchisement, and ideological manipulation. By 2024, Morocco began fully incorporating women into the counterterrorism strategy by training female religious leaders who could provide alternative, moderate interpretations of religious texts.
The 2024 Initiative: Empowering Female Religious Leaders
In 2024, Morocco launched an initiative called “Women of Faith, Agents of Peace”, aimed at training and empowering female religious leaders. The programme was a joint effort between the Moroccan Ministry of Religious Affairs, the UN Women, and several local NGOs. Its goal was to integrate women into religious leadership roles and engage them as critical actors in preventing radicalisation. Over the course of the year, 150 women were selected to undergo a comprehensive training programme that included Islamic jurisprudence, counter-extremism tactics, leadership skills, and community outreach strategies.
The programme included both theological training and practical workshops focused on conflict resolution, interfaith dialogue, and community-based intervention. Female religious leaders were given the tools to engage with their communities, especially at the grassroots level, and to speak out against extremist ideologies that misinterpret Islamic teachings. The programme also offered psychological training to help these women provide emotional support to individuals at risk of radicalisation.
Outcomes by the End of 2024
By the end of 2024, the programme had seen measurable success in both the engagement of women in religious leadership and the effectiveness of their efforts in countering violent extremism. Key outcomes included:
- Increased Female Religious Leadership: By the end of the programme, 150 female religious leaders had completed the training and were actively participating in religious institutions across Morocco. This marked a 20% increase in the representation of women in leadership roles within the religious community compared to the previous year.
- Community Engagement and Radicalisation Prevention: Women trained in the programme were not only engaging in religious leadership but were also directly involved in outreach programmes targeting vulnerable populations. In regions that had historically seen higher levels of extremist recruitment, such as parts of Casablanca and Tangier, these women played a significant role in educating local communities about the dangers of radical ideologies. Research conducted by the Moroccan Ministry of Religious Affairs showed a 15% decrease in youth recruitment into extremist groups in these areas by the end of 2024.
- Challenging Extremist Interpretations: Female religious leaders were instrumental in countering extremist interpretations of Islam, offering an alternative narrative that emphasised peace, tolerance, and the true spirit of the faith. In a public survey conducted in 2024, 75% of local community members reported that they felt more confident in challenging extremist narratives after engaging with female religious leaders in their neighbourhoods.
- Psychological and Social Support: Many of the female religious leaders were also trained to provide support to families and individuals affected by radicalisation. By the end of 2024, 500 families had benefited from counselling and support services provided by these religious leaders. This was crucial in helping individuals reintegrate into society and reduce the risk of re-radicalisation.
Challenges and Limitations
Whilst the programme has seen significant success, it has also faced challenges. One of the main obstacles has been resistance from some traditionalists who are sceptical about women in religious leadership roles. Although the programme has received widespread support from the government and progressive factions of society, some conservative groups still argue that religious leadership should remain male-dominated. Additionally, many of the women involved in the programme faced initial challenges in overcoming societal expectations and stereotypes about women’s roles in religion.
Despite these challenges, the women involved in the programme have been steadfast in their commitment to promoting peace and countering radical ideologies. Their work has not only impacted their immediate communities but has also set a precedent for expanding the role of women in religious leadership across the region.
A Model for Future Efforts
The “Women of Faith, Agents of Peace” programme represents a transformative step towards recognising the vital role that women can play in the fight against violent extremism. By training and empowering female religious leaders, Morocco has created a powerful tool for countering radical ideologies from within the community. The success of this initiative in 2024 provides a valuable model for other countries facing similar challenges with extremism. Moving forward, it is crucial that Morocco continues to support and expand these programs, addressing the structural barriers women face and further integrating them into both religious and counterterrorism leadership roles.
As Morocco looks to the future, the integration of women into religious leadership remains a critical component of the country’s ongoing efforts to combat violent extremism. By ensuring that women are not only part of the conversation but also leading it, Morocco has shown that empowering women can be one of the most effective strategies for building resilient communities and creating long-lasting peace.
