"Voices from the Frontline". Benefits and Implications of Women Participating in Processes of Preventing Violent Extremism in the Syrian Arab Republic

Abstract

In Syria there has been a rise in violent extremism since the Arab Uprisings of 2011. The rise in violent extremism shows a growing curve in sexual and gender based violence. Due to this violence, women in conflict situations like Syria are often portrayed and securitised within the victim narrative. This is causing women to be seen as helpless agents in need of protection. This thesis argues that we need to discard this victim narrative and instead look at women as active agents with a valuable contribution. In this thesis the importance of the role of women in preventing violent extremism in Syria is highlighted, as well as the implications they face when working as an activist in Syria. This thesis argues that not only female participation should be promoted, but also that there need to be greater attention towards the implications of women s participation.