WomEx

The gender perspective has become increasingly important in the theoretical and practical examination of ideologically motivated acts of violence, right-wing extremism and religious fundamentalism in recent years. Although boys and men are significantly more frequently responsible for criminal acts, accounting for 80 to 90 percent of all offenders, female members of the scene and sympathizers not only have similarly inhumane attitudes, but also commit ideologically motivated rights violations and acts of violence.

In some cases, girls and women take on specific functions within “their” scenes: they hold strategic leadership positions, provide the impetus for acts of violence, carry them out themselves or provide ideological legitimization. They also represent an important factor for socio-emotional group cohesion.

The significance of gender for turning to violence, prevention and intervention

To date, there have been few systematic findings on the gender-specific significance of biographical, familial, social and milieu-specific factors for the affinity of female adolescents for violence and extremist ideologies. This also applies to gender-specific roles and community opportunities for girls and young women. Little is known about gender-specific approaches in prevention and intervention work in the penal system, probation services and social work - in relation to women, but also to men.

Identifying existing knowledge and develop guidelines for deradicalisation with women and girls

The project aims

• Overview of existing intervention approaches in working with violent/extremist girls and women aged 12 to 27
• Collection and processing of findings on working contexts, approaches, methods and problem descriptions from practitioners who work with girls and women in prisons, probation services and youth welfare measures throughout Germany
• Case studies on possible interventions and proven pedagogical approaches through interviews with ex-offenders and at-risk female adolescents
• Development of guidelines for gender-specific, girl-oriented approaches to deradicalization and anti-violence work, comparison of relevant indicators of (de)radicalization with the current state of research
• Development of a corresponding qualification seminar for the FH degree program
• Establishment of a national and EU-wide network for gender-specific deradicalization and anti-violence work; workshops and conferences for the transfer of expertise