Leaders on the Front Line Combating Extremism

Driven by ideological, political, religious, and other convictions, violent extremists create instability, traumatize communities, and undermine the creation of stable governments. Women are among the most effective actors combating extremism. They have their fingers on the pulse of communities and often possess unique moral authority derived from their roles in the family and civil society. Women are often the first to call for and facilitate reconciliation. Often viewed as less threatening, women are able to forge compromise, consolidate moderate voices, and create sustainable solutions. Leaders from Pakistan will share lessons derived from their varied experiences, noting in particular the roles and approaches women use to moderate extremism in the region.

Shabana Fayyaz
Assistant Professor, Defense and Strategic Studies Department, Quaid-I-Azam University

Mossarat Qadeem
Assistant Executive Director, PAIMAN Alumni Trust

Humaira Shahid
Research Scholar, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University

Kishwar Sultana
Director, Insan Foundation

Introduction by Carla Koppell (The Institute for Inclusive Security)
Moderated by Jerry Hyman (Hills Program)