In this article, Eleanor Gordon and Jacqui True analyse policies and programmes to prevent and counter violent extremism in Indonesia and Bangladesh and whether they are gender responsive. Even where the aim is to be gender sensitive, existing policies and programmes reinforce gender stereotypes and are ineffective in preventing and countering threats. Government and non-government policies and programmes in both countries must be attentive to the gender dynamics of violent extremism, including gender-specific drivers of recruitment, gender discrimination and gender-based violence.

BANNER IMAGE: The family of six linked to the suicide bombings at three churches in Surabaya, Indonesia, May 2018. Puji Kuswati is thought to be Indonesia's first female suicide bomber. Courtesy of Indonesian Police