Uncomfortable Truths, Unconventional Wisdoms: Women’s Perspectives on Violent  Extremism and Security Interventions

A Brief on Policy and Practice for Mitigating Extremism and Advancing Sustainable Development

March 2016, No. 1

The Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership (WASL*) has released its first brief based on consultations with more than 70 women’s rights and peace practitioners across 15 countries conducted in late 2015. Uncomfortable Truths, Unconventional Wisdoms: Women’s Perspectives on Violent Extremism and Security Interventions issues recommendations for international and national policy and practice to support women-led civil society activists and organizations in their efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism. This brief specific addresses four key areas: (1) security concerns for civilians and civil society organizations; (2) experiences and engagement with local police; (3) outreach to militias and experiences of de-radicalization work; and (4) perspectives on international military and security presence and interventions.

* ’Wasl’ means to ‘connect’ in Arabic, Urdu, and Persian

Read the executive summary, and
download the full report.