In 2024, the European Union (EU) introduced a groundbreaking strategy that highlights the critical role women play in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) and terrorism. The EU’s new Gender and P/CVE Strategy marks a paradigm shift in how women are involved in counterterrorism policies, recognising their role not only as victims of extremism but as key agents of change in the fight against terrorism. The strategy reflects the increasing recognition that effective counterterrorism efforts cannot be achieved without fully engaging women, particularly in prevention, rehabilitation, and policy-making.
Keywords : European Union, Counterterrorism, Women, Gender
Shifting the Narrative: Women’s Central Role in Counterterrorism
For many years, women were often viewed merely as victims of terrorism or, more commonly, as the wives and mothers of extremists. However, recent research and practical experience have demonstrated that women’s roles extend far beyond this traditional narrative. Over the past decade, an increasing number of studies and field interventions have shown that women play a pivotal role in preventing radicalisation, intervening at critical stages, and supporting the reintegration of former extremists. The EU’s 2024 strategy seeks to incorporate gender-sensitive approaches into counterterrorism, aiming to empower women as leaders in security and peacebuilding efforts. It focuses on recognising the unique capabilities of women in influencing communities, mediating conflicts, and addressing the underlying causes of violent extremism.
The EU Strategy outlines several key components aimed at boosting the participation of women in counterterrorism initiatives. These include empowerment through capacity building, greater inclusion of women in decision-making processes, and the promotion of community-based prevention efforts. The strategy calls for an increase in the representation of women in security agencies, legislative bodies, and other institutions that shape national and European security policies. By advocating for more inclusive counterterrorism strategies, the EU hopes to leverage the full potential of women as active participants in security discourse, ultimately leading to more holistic, inclusive, and effective counterterrorism efforts.
Key Aspects of the 2024 EU Strategy
The 2024 EU Strategy for Gender and P/CVE outlines several crucial elements designed to enhance the role of women in counterterrorism policies. Amongst the most significant is the emphasis on empowering women by providing them with training and resources to become leaders in community-based prevention programmes. This includes equipping women with the skills necessary to engage in political discourse on security matters and assume leadership roles within governmental and non-governmental organisations. The strategy also calls for increased representation of women in decision-making bodies such as national security councils and EU-level policy discussions, ensuring that their perspectives are included in intelligence-sharing processes, legislative frameworks, and security protocols.
Another central component of the strategy is community-based prevention, recognising that women play a crucial role in preventing radicalisation within their families and communities. Through engagement with vulnerable groups, particularly youth, women-led initiatives are seen as essential to reducing the risk of radicalisation before it takes root. The EU also calls for support services for women affected by violent extremism, providing psychological counselling, social reintegration programmes, and employment support, all of which are vital to helping those affected by extremism to rebuild their lives and resist the influence of radical ideologies.
Evidence of Women’s Impact on Counterterrorism
The implementation of the EU Strategy on Gender and P/CVE has yielded tangible results across Europe. Data from 2024 reveals significant progress in incorporating women into counterterrorism roles, with measurable outcomes in several areas. For instance, by 2024, there was a 25% increase in women holding leadership positions within national counterterrorism agencies across EU member states, a sharp contrast to previous years where women made up less than 10% of decision-makers in security fields. This increased representation has been shown to lead to more inclusive and comprehensive policies.
In terms of community engagement, several EU countries have implemented women-led prevention programmes that have achieved notable success. In France, Germany, and Belgium, women-led initiatives targeting at-risk youth in urban areas have produced measurable reductions in radicalisation. For example, in Paris’s Banlieues, 75% of participants in community programmes led by women reported a decline in their exposure to radicalising influences. In Brussels, women-led interventions resulted in a 40% reduction in the number of youths attempting to travel to conflict zones.
In Spain and the Netherlands, women have also been instrumental in de-radicalisation and reintegration programmes for former extremists. According to data from Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, 55% of participants in women-led rehabilitation programmes showed long-term disengagement from extremist ideologies, a significant improvement compared to male-led efforts. Similarly, research in Austria demonstrated that 80% of mothers involved in counter-extremism initiatives felt empowered to identify signs of radicalisation in their children, highlighting the importance of women’s involvement in family-based prevention.
Challenges and Areas for Further Development
Despite the success of the 2024 strategy, there are still several challenges that must be addressed to fully harness the potential of women in counterterrorism efforts. Gender biases, insufficient funding for women-led initiatives, and resistance from conservative societal elements remain significant barriers to women’s participation in peacebuilding and counterterrorism roles. Furthermore, whilst women have made significant strides in policy-making, more research is needed to better understand the specific dynamics of women’s roles in extremist groups and the effectiveness of gender-sensitive interventions.
Continuing the Momentum
The 2024 EU Strategy on Gender and P/CVE represents a critical turning point in European counterterrorism policy, recognising that women are indispensable to efforts to counter violent extremism. By empowering women to take active roles in prevention, rehabilitation, and policy development, the EU is laying the foundation for more inclusive and effective counterterrorism strategies. However, to sustain this momentum, continued investment in women-led initiatives, more comprehensive research, and the removal of societal barriers will be essential. Moving forward, the EU must ensure that the voices of women are fully integrated into all aspects of counterterrorism policymaking, both within Europe and globally, to ensure that counterterrorism efforts remain effective and inclusive in the years to come.
