UN's Gender Approach to Counter Terrorism in Africa

Extract

[...] This highlights that the integration of the gender dimension in prevention and counter-terrorism strategies has become an important tool of action. In the following, it is a question of presenting the integration of the gender dimension in the fight against terrorism in Africa: the perspective of the United Nations. The need for a gender approach in the fight against terrorism I.1-Understanding the dynamics of terrorism and the active role of women8 Women in terrorist groups have several roles, including that of support. [...]

[...] The United Nations has developed effective actions in Africa through UN Women, UNDP, UNODC, etc. However, even if these actions are promising, it is still necessary to develop tolerance among men so that they accept the emergence of women leaders, and to heal the trauma of women 'victims' of terrorism, so that they can act with a greater chance of success. It is necessary that all concerned actors be solidary so that more durable solutions and a truly inclusive peace are achieved. [...]

[...] It is thus that one distinguishes: -The woman victim of terrorist violence. -The woman victim of forced engagement in terrorist activities. I.3- Women in an active role and women victims, weapons against terrorism Having on the one hand understood the dynamics of terrorism and the role that women play in the process of radicalization, and on the other hand studied the involvement of women as actors or victims of terrorism, the United Nations develops a strategy that relies on them to fight against this scourge. [...]

[...] The UNODC programme on women and penal justice in East Africa is another United Nations action that provides technical assistance to African countries, so that they can integrate the gender dimension into their penal justice systems related to terrorism. This action is accompanied by training of justice professionals on gender approaches and support for women associated with terrorist groups, for their rehabilitation.13. Conclusion The integration of the gender dimension in the fight against terrorism in Africa by the United Nations goes far beyond equity. It is much more a strategic approach. [...]

[...] It is in this context that the UNDP analyzed in 2017, the factors that promote violent extremism in Africa; "Journey to Extremism in Africa""12, and studied the inclusion of a gender approach. Although it is proven that women can be recruited by extremist groups (Daesh, Boko-Haram, Al-Qaïda, etc.) and directly or indirectly participate in terrorist acts or facilitate radicalization, they are however attributed 'naturally pacifist' attitudes in conflicts characterized by violence. It is indeed established that women are well capable of playing a crucial role in a peace consolidation process. [...]