Human Security: A contribution to countering violent extremism

Human security addresses the individual in terms of economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community and political security. Many women and women's groups in civil society have traditionally engaged in work that supports human security, such as political empowerment, health and development programs. Groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIL have also recently engaged in some human security efforts. As countering violent extremism (CVE) continues to be a growing focus for academics, practitioners and policy makers alike, themes that fall under the scope of human security are increasingly mirrored in CVE. However, CVE programs still largely neglect the roles women can play or views them in limited terms. Drawing off feminist, CVE and human security literature, and engaging select examples, this chapter will highlight some of the increasing links and lessons to be applied between women in civil society whose work contributes to human security, and CVE. It will also expand on specific areas of synergy and conflict that may arise when linking these two areas.