There is growing global recognition that women play multiple roles both within violent extremist organisations and in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE). However, very little is known about women and violent extremism in the context of Kenya.

Through focus group discussions with women in affected communities and individual interviews with three al-Shabaab returnees and other stakeholders – including government officials, donors and civil society – this study aimed to gain insights into the roles that women play in relation to violent extremism in Kenya, the gendered impacts of radicalisation and violent extremism, and the efficacy of current responses to violent extremism in relation to women.