GENDER PERSPECTIVES AND WOMEN’S STRATEGIC ROLES IN PCVE AND COUNTER-TERRORISM STRATEGIES IN MALAYSIA

Lead Researcher: Siti Aisyah Tajari

Violent extremism remains a significant threat in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, where extremist groups continue to operate. Historically, counter-terrorism (CT) and preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) efforts have been predominantly male-driven, often overlooking the crucial contributions that women can make. However, the integration of women’s perspectives is now widely recognized as essential for developing more inclusive and effective strategies.

This research examines the diverse and strategic roles that women play in CT and PCVE initiatives across Malaysia. It highlights their active involvement in key areas such as community engagement, early warning systems, countering extremist narratives, and rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. Additionally, the study explores how gender dynamics and socio-political factors influence women’s vulnerabilities to radicalisation, with particular attention to issues such as marginalisation and unequal access to resources and opportunities. This underscores the necessity of adopting gender-sensitive approaches in addressing these challenges.

A central argument of this research is that incorporating women’s perspectives into CT and PCVE strategies is not merely a matter of gender inclusion but a strategic imperative. Women’s experiences of radicalisation differ from those of men, and they often provide unique insights and capabilities that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of counter-extremism efforts. This challenge the traditional perceptions of women’s passive roles in terrorism and highlights their active agency in preventing radicalization and supporting rehabilitation processes.

The research seeks to address the following key questions:

• What roles and contributions do women make in PCVE and counter-terrorism efforts in Malaysia?
• How do gender dynamics and socio-political factors influence women’s vulnerability to radicalisation and the effectiveness of counter-extremism strategies?
• What best practices and lessons can be drawn from existing gender-sensitive PCVE and counter-terrorism initiatives in Malaysia?
• How can policymakers and practitioners enhance the meaningful participation of women in national and regional counter-terrorism frameworks?

By addressing these questions, the study aims to generate evidence-based recommendations that contribute to the development of more inclusive and effective counter-terrorism strategies. It emphasises that gender-sensitive approaches not only empower women but also strengthen community resilience and enhance security. The findings from this research will provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, fostering a deeper understanding of how integrating gender perspectives can improve PCVE and CT strategies across Southeast Asia.