Gender inequality and violent extremism in Asia

Gender inequality makes it easier for extremist groups to radicalise and recruit men and women in South and South-East Asia. That is the conclusion of a new report titled “Conflicting Identities: The Nexus Between Masculinities, Femininities and Violent Extremism in Asia”.

The report, published by the UN Development Programme and UN Women with funding from the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), sheds light on how unequal gender power relations influence violent extremism. Using expert case studies, it also aims to provide policymakers with an understanding of how to integrate gender identity considerations in policies aimed at preventing violent extremism in South and South-East Asia.

You can read the report in full here, as well as an accompanying thought piece written by the UNDP Bangkok’s Project Officer for Preventing Violent Extremism discussing the relevance of this research in tackling violent extremism and gender inequality.

The report was officially launched in a webinar jointly organised by the UNDP and UN Women on 28 May, bringing together local NGOs and the authors of the report to discuss how gender inequalities influence violent extremism in the region.