In two research projects with UN Women in Asia and North
Africa, the Monash Gender, Peace and Security Centre has
addressed the lack of empirical gender analysis of violent
extremism. The findings of that research produced in four
countries constitute the most significant global research on
this subject to date. In all four countries, quantitative survey
research adopted the same framework, methods and
instruments was undertaken. Our research questions were:
1. How and why are societal gender identities and
relations drivers of violent extremism, both enabling
and countering ideological fundamentalism and political
violence?
2. How are constructions of masculinity and femininity used
by violent extremist groups to recruit and mobilise men
and women?
The survey research examined the extent to which societal
gender identities and relations are drivers of violent
extremism and how these differed for men and women.
Questions related to individual’s social media use, religiosity,
masculinity, sexism, and attitudes and behaviours regarding
violence against women. (From the paper). Record #7945