Katiba Macina and Boko Haram: including women to what end?

This report is based on interviews with individuals who are or have been associated with these violent extremist groups.

This report analyses why women are associated with katiba Macina in Mali and Boko Haram in Niger, and their place and role in the recruitment, implantation and operation strategies of these violent extremist groups (VEGs). It is the first of two reports based on interviews with women and men who are or have been associated with these groups. The second report examines the implications of the study’s findings for policies and strategies for preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) in Mali and Niger and provides recommendations for stakeholders.

About the authors

The research work underpinning this report was conducted collaboratively by the authors, Jeannine Ella A Abatan and Boubacar Sangaré, as well as Nadia Adam, Illiassou Abdoulaye Alio, Ibrahim Maïga, Lori-Anne Théroux-Bénoni, Fonteh Akum, Boukary Sangaré, Modibo Galy Cissé, Amadou (Samba) Cissé, Wali Ag Menani, Aminatou Daouda Hainikoye, Boukari Biri Kassoum, Salifou Noufou and Moussa Mohamed.

Cover image: Amelia Broodryk/ISS