We are pleased to announce that the Centre for the Study of the International Relations of the Middle East and North Africa (CIRMENA) and the University of Cambridge Centre for Gender Studies will be co-hosting a public talk by Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini and Sussan Tahmasebi, founders of the International Civil Society Action Network, who will discuss women’s perspectives on violent extremism and security interventions. There will also be participation from grassroots peacebuilders from Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Syria.
The panel will address the diverse approaches of local women-led organizations to (1) the closing of civil society space as challenge to prevention of extremism, (2) the problems and potential of police (3) the role of militias and militarisation, and (4) international interventions. The experience shared by participants will illustrate the findings of Uncomfortable Truths, Unconventional Wisdoms: Women’s Perspectives on Violent Extremism and Security Interventions, the first brief issued by the Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership (WASL) based on consultations with over 70 women peace and rights practitioners in 15 countries across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia.
A sandwich lunch will be provided from 11.30 am and all are welcome to attend.