Gender Equality and Violent Extremism: a Research Agenda for Libya

This research report examines the gender dynamics of radicalization to violence in Libya and efforts to counter and prevent violent extremism. Based on primary research in Libya, this report analyses new data collected in the field (October 2018 to March 2019), and via a survey instrument (March-June 2019). The research investigates the gendered motivations of individuals to join violent extremist and terrorist groups, and how gender inequality and discrimination within Libyan society interact with other economic, political and religious factors to spread violent extremism. The report explores how social constructions of masculinity and femininity are manipulated by violent extremist groups through their recruitment strategies and tactics of group control. As well as these gender dynamics, the research investigates Libyan women’s responses; how and why they seek to counter and prevent violent extremism in their communities.