Women, Education and Radicalisation in Pakistan

Abstract

Violence has long been endemic to Pakistan. In the presence of continued political instability, extremism and terrorism, the Government of Pakistan has paid little attention to the role of women in violent extremism and in the radicalisation of society. Policymakers and academics have failed to identify linkages between either the types of education available to women, the lack of justice available to a woman or the grievances woman have against the state and their role in the rise of extremism. The aim of this study is to identify women’s attitudes as either supporters or opponents of violent extremism in Pakistan. These broad themes will lead this study towards a more focused approach to identifying which types of women and which types of education contribute to the radicalisation of society. This study will investigate: How do rigid interpretations of the verses of the Quran affect the role of women in society? Does the difference between formal and informal education aid our understanding of extremism and radicalisation? What is the role of education in understanding women’s support for or opposition to extremism in Pakistan? How far does the dysfunctional judicial system in The Federally Administered Tribal Areas and in The Provincially Administered Tribal Areas help explain extremism? What influences the attitude of women towards extremism? The above questions will be examined through the lens of Feminist Securitisation theory. It will use 120 semi-structured qualitative research interviews with the GOP, key institutions, academics, formal and informal education system and the local population.