This briefing by Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS) UK critically examines the relationship between the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda and Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) efforts. The report highlights concernsover the militarization of the peace and security agenda and the instrumentalization of women’s rights within PCVE frameworks. It critiques the lack of support for women-led organizations, the narrow narratives surrounding women’s agency, and the limited integration of gender perspectives in PCVE policies.
Key recommendations include adopting a WPS-centric approach to PCVE that prioritizes women’s equality and addresses the structural drivers of gender inequality. The report emphasizes the need for long-term planning and programming to promote sustainable changes in gender relations, comprehensive gender analysis to map structural barriers, and meaningful inclusion of women and girls in decision-making processes. It also calls for greater investment in civil society-based approaches and support for women’s rights defenders. This resource serves as a robust guide for aligning PCVE with WPS principles while safeguarding women’s rights and agency.