Preventing violent extremism in Kenya: Why women’s needs matter

Extremism has multiple impacts on the lives of women, but counter-terrorism measures don’t sufficiently address their needs.

Violent extremism has multiple impacts on the lives of women that are compounded by the pressures of poverty and related development factors. Government, donors and NGOs have taken steps to counter and prevent violent extremism in Kenya, but many of these responses are gender neutral and do not sufficiently address women’s needs. The failure to prioritise women will hamper efforts to comprehensively address violent extremism, and will miss opportunities to engage women in preventing terrorism.

About the authors

Uyo Salifu joined the ISS in 2012 and holds an MA in International Relations from the University of Pretoria. Her work focuses on terrorism in West Africa and countering violent extremism.

Irene Ndung’u joined the ISS in 2008 and holds an MA in International Relations from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her research interests cover women, gender, peace and security.

Picture: UNFPA/Douglas Waudo