Uncomfortable Truths, Unconventional Wisdoms: Women’s Perspectives on Violent Extremism and Security Interventions – Executive Summary

March 2016: A Brief on Policy and Practice for Mitigating Extremism and advancing Sustainable Development

The Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership has released its first brief based on consultations with more than 70 women’s rights and peace practitioners across 15 countries conducted in late 2015. Uncomfortable Truths, Unconventional Wisdoms: Women’s Perspectives on Violent Extremism and Security Interventions issues recommendations for international and national policy and practice to support women-led civil society activists and organizations in their efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism. This brief specific addresses four key areas: (1) security concerns for civilians and civil society organizations; (2) experiences and engagement with local police; (3) outreach to militias and experiences of de-radicalization work; and (4) perspectives on international military and security presence and interventions.