The report shows that women and girls are associated with violent extremism in complex and diverse ways. For SPRR programs to be effective, the counter-terrorism and PCVE community must recognize women and girls are associated with violent extremism and adapt existing policies and practices to be gender responsive for both men and women. It identifies seven interlocking elements that are needed for a gender-responsive approach and across these make a series of recommendations, these include among others: take a holistic approach; conduct a gender analysis; identify and respond to existing lessons learnt from previous efforts; consult and coordinate with women’s based organizations and other non-governmental stakeholders; establish legal frameworks that are human rights compliant and evaluate existing ones; communicate clearly existing policies and legal frameworks; provide CSOs with legal guidance and space to support reintegration and rehabilitation; development and implement gender-responsive ‘standard operating procedures’ for border and security personnel; build better relationships between civil society, security actors and government; support communities and work to reduce stigma of those formerly associated with violent extremism; uplift women mentors and leaders; encourage women faith leadership; implement sustainable development programming; work on a strength-based approach to build up belonging and identity among returnees; build on local customs; provide gender sensitive psycho-social support.
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