This paper compares gendered approaches to preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) in Bangladesh and Morocco. It highlights Morocco’s integration of women’s participation into PCVE policy and programming, including the introduction of certified women preachers (imams), known as mourchidates, in 2005 to promote religious moderation and community engagement, although empirical evidence of their direct PCVE impact remains limited. The paper also notes reforms to the Moudawana (Moroccan Family Code) in 2004 aimed at socio-economic empowerment of women, reflecting the understanding of poverty as a root cause of violent extremism. In Bangladesh, PCVE efforts have emphasized poverty alleviation through micro-credit and micro-lending programmes targeting women, expanded education for girls and women, and support for women’s rights in the garment sector.
The paper offers several recommendations - some targeted at the United States - but broader insights relevant beyond the U.S. context include supporting women-based organizations in PCVE; advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda and developing a National Action Plan for women in PCVE; avoiding the stigmatization of religion and religious communities, particularly Islam; and promoting women’s economic empowerment.