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conflict in Israel and Palestine. Increasingly, organizations abduct and forcefully recruit both males and females during childhood to train and manipulate them at an early age to support the cause.


Women as fighters against terrorism


Whereas it is factual that women have been the victims, and in some instances real accomplices, it is also increasingly evident that women are a formidable force as fighters against terrorism be it as investigators, prosecutors, counsellors, peace makers and as managers of defence and security. I would like to take the opportunity to salute those brave women who have stood up and resisted terrorists especially those who are in the armed forces all over the world.


A number of organizations worldwide such as Women Without Borders and PAIMAN Alumni Trust are utilizing the strategic role of mothers and matriarchs to build early warning systems when they suspect their husbands, sons or daughters may be involved with extremist groups. While this is important, the International community must also prioritize women’s participation, leadership and empowerment in prevention and response frameworks. This is a critical factor to address the structural inequalities underpinning extremist violence and to ensure that when the capacity of one extremist group is destroyed, another will not rise up to take its place. The way forward is clear. The International community must take up the challenge to combine militarized action with governance, human rights and development — including women’s empowerment


and gender equality. Drones, airstrikes and boots on the ground can halt the advance of extremist groups but these tools cannot defeat radical ideologies nor build resilient families and communities. It is also incumbent for governments to establish structures that will support women and girls in post-war and post-trauma management. It is the psychological and social areas that are often forgotten by policy makers. Empowered women are the best drivers of growth and the best hope for reconciliation. They are the best buffer against the radicalization of youth and the repetition of cycles of violence. Women and girls are the first targets of attack — the promotion of their rights must be the first priority in response.


“Empowered women are the best drivers of growth and the best hope for reconciliation. They are the best buffer against the radicalization of youth and the repetition of cycles of violence. Women and girls are the first targets of attack — the promotion of their rights must be the first priority in response.”


The Parliamentarian | 2015: Issue Two | 75


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