In October 2021, the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN), with the support of Global Affairs Canada, released a set of four “Case Studies on the Role of Gender and Identity in Shaping Positive Alternatives to Extremisms.” In response to the positive feedback, we have developed a further four case studies covering work in Cameroon, Jordan, Libya and Pakistan, which we are proud to release today.

The case studies demonstrate how conducting a Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) improves understanding of the drivers, narratives and roles that engender extremisms and violent extremist activity. By profiling examples of peacebuilding, peace education, early warning sign, alternative narratives, and counterterrorism work in these contexts, the case studies emphasize how attention to gender and intersectional identities can improve the effectiveness of interventions to transform extremisms – not only by preventing or countering it, but by providing positive alternatives that enable people to realize a peaceful, pluralistic future.  

The case studies are intended for use by practitioners and policymakers to guide them in conducting a gender analysis and in integrating responsiveness to gender and identity factors in policies and interventions.