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Workshop on Women and Extremism from September 24 - 25, 2017 in Madaba / Jordan

U.N. Women Jordan and the Jordanian National Commission for Women have published a study that has shown women in Jordan are equally or more affected by radicalization than men.

The 'Arab World Center for Democratic Development - UniHRD and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Political and Parliamentary Affairs (MoPPA), have agreed to cooperate more intensively on the topic of combating extremism and terrorism in 2017. The work is based on prevention by encouraging dialogue with and raising awareness among young people about this issue.

Jordan remains stable amidst regional tensions but is not immune to radicalization threats. Jordan has taken on the burden of housing more than 1 million Syrian refugees and is struggling with a disturbing rise of extremism. Another issue which has been noticed is the surprising effects of extremism on women in Jordan. Of course young men have been considered the leading targeted group for recruiting extremists and Jordan’s government has started to implement a plan to fight the threat of radicalization for example by increasing security measures.

However, U.N. Women Jordan and the Jordanian National Commission for Women have published a study that has shown women in Jordan are equally or more affected by radicalization than men (Women and Violent Radicalization in Jordan. March 2016). Preventing violent extremism (PVE) and integrating the participation and concerns of women in peace and security has become a priority for the Government of Jordan, especially as it fulfills its commitments to UNSCR 1325 and 2242 on women, peace and security.

The study shows that women are affected because of women’s lack of public space, the strict gender norms, and the increasing violence against women. These issues often leave women feeling as if they have no sense of belonging, with animosity toward certain political groups and searching for a greater purpose and a greater sense of identity — the main triggers associated with radicalization. Islamic extremists target women, specifically, so that their children and other family members will already be indoctrinated into the group. Also, women are used as messengers to spread a doctrine across the community and often radicalized women congregate and develop a type of sisterhood.

Although Jordan is making efforts to fight the threats of extremism, the effects of this extremism on the women in Jordan need to be addressed. In order to fight extremism, the violence and discrimination toward women need to be alleviated. Women have a strong influence over their families and communities; therefore, it essential for them to feel appreciated and feel that their voices are being heard in order for them to feel less inclined to join the extremists. Although women are victims of hate crimes, they are also, surprisingly, powerful influencers of radicalization.

Women can serve as monitors for threats of radicalization and help reinforce the status quo within their communities and families. However, this can only be achieved by facilitating the voices of women in Jordan and including these women in the decision-making processes within politics and academia. The report notes that as individuals, mothers, wives, sisters, caregivers and community-builders, women in their diverse roles can be powerful allies in countering radical ideologies. For example, they can uncover “early warning signals” and serve as bolsters to radicalization within the family and community. The report highlights global good practices in supporting women’s role in preventing violent extremism.

The goal of the workshop was to raise awareness on this aspects and to discuss the effects of extremism on women and their role in countering radicalization openly with participants from different sectors of the society.