Women should be fully involved in all empowerment programs revolving around security and countering violent extremism, CVE.
Despite women being instrumental in safeguarding the young generation against indulging in criminal activities and violent extremism, in most cases they are left out.
Human rights group Haki Africa said women should be fully engaged in all dialogue forums revolving around security and Countering Violent Extremism-CVE so that they fully contribute in efforts to contain the security but big social problem.
Haki Africa Deputy executive director Salma Hemed said women were the keepers of families and by involving them in security forums they will easily open up and help security agents, experts in fight insecurity surge in the region.
“We only blame women for increasing insecurity and radicalisation at the Coast, however we are yet to consider these women in the fight against insecurity and violent extremism as well,” she added.
Women instrumental in CVE
Speaking in Mombasa Ms Hemed said involving women in the fight against violent extremism will positively impact the society.
“In fact we should not discuss about countering violent extremism but instead preventing violent extremism, we all know the strength of a woman when fully involved,” noted Salma.
The Gender and child rights Officer in the human rights lobby however urged parents to always be very close to their children to enable them open up on what’s in their minds and hearts.
She said by doing so, parents will know how better they can encourage and guide their children to the right path, away from evils in the society.
The human rights defender also appealed to security agencies to always involve the community at grassroots level in a bid to get relevant information that will lead to arrest of those with intentions to breach security, peace and coexistence in the region.
