“The threat of terrorism is debilitating Europe. Shocked by the bomb attacks and tormented by the suffering of innocent victims we begin to fear the political repercussions of extremism and radicalisation. We are faced with a global challenge whereby local solutions, however judicial, can never have the impact of a global policy, a policy in which it is crucial that the EU have a central role. Should we not take the path of a cohesive EU common policy response to terrorism; far-right, xenophobic populists and nationalists will continue to gain ground, putting the unity our democratic values at jeopardy: European Integration.

We believe that the fight against Jihadist terrorism must be addressed through a unified European defense policy which incorporates a system whereby intelligence is shared. With this policy we would like to draw your attention to another vital strategic point: preventing the expansion of violent radicalisation with a particular focus on the role of women in this process. DAESH, the fastest expanding terrorist group of our time, is pushing forward their ultimate objective for a totalitarian state based on a delusional and erroneous version of the Quran. Ultimately, they are transmitting a very masculine dominated interpretation. However, the role of women to combat radicalisation is essential and irrefutable despite the fact that it appears to be less recognised.

Women have been the fundamental agents to preventing European youths from being radicalised. It is the mothers, sisters and girlfriends who are often the one and only barrier to preventing a young male from being brainwashed by DAESH’ delusional propaganda and leaving his family and walking straight to his death in Syria or Iraq or even as terrorist in his own European hometown.

We cannot let our European youth fall into the hands of DAESH. The role given to women subjected to Jihadism is one of humiliation, one so adverse to democratic values of equality and liberty in Europe. Any such cases of radicalised youth should be seen as a failure of these values and immediate measures applied and action taken.

We urge the European Commission, the European Parliament and European  Council to call for a cohesive common policy to combat rising violent radicalisation and terrorism which incorporates a specific gender focus on the role of women as victims of Jihadist propaganda and as able agents of change capable of overturning such propaganda.”

RAN

Women without Borders

WARN

Fempower (Quilliam)

S.A.V.E. Belgium

Mothers for Life

WISE

Madrid+10

Just Unity

Inspire

Utamara

Beatriz Becerra