Pakistani Women in DC to Offer Innovative Solutions to Regional Instability

Who?

The Institute for Inclusive Security is hosting four influential Pakistani leaders in Washington, DC, this week to highlight the role of women in moderating violent extremism. The delegation includes two parliamentarians:

• Member of the National Assembly Shaista Pervaiz, leader of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus.
• Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, head of the women’s wing of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, the current ruling party.

And two leaders from civil society:

• Huma Chughtai, an expert in Sharia law who has increased the number of female officers in Pakistan’s police force.
• Mossarat Qadeem, who has helped hundreds of young men escape Taliban recruitment.

This unique group unites women from different sectors of Pakistani society and diverse regions, including those most directly affected by conflict.

Read more about the delegates here.

What?

These four prominent Pakistani women will meet key representatives from: the White House; US Department of State; US Department of Defense; US Agency for International Development; Congress; think tanks; and other civil society organizations.

They’ll deliver recommendations, based on their unique, in-depth knowledge of security issues in Pakistan, regarding:

• The impacts of US policies on communities across the country and strategies for making these policies more effective.
• Opportunities to harness and elevate the roles Pakistani women are playing in the fight against violent extremism and to build on the innovative ways they’re engaging religious leaders, scholars, and communities to de-radicalize young people.
• The importance of increasing the presence and visibility of women in the Pakistani police forces as a means of building greater stability in the country and the region.

The delegates will also speak on a panel titled “Countering Violent Extremism in Pakistan: Why Women Must Have a Role,” with opening remarks from Ambassador Swanee Hunt, Founder and Chair of The Institute for Inclusive Security, on Wednesday, April 2, at 4 p.m. at the Atlantic Council. The event will be live streamed.

Why?

The United States has spent billions of dollars bolstering the ability of Pakistan’s military and government to counter extremism in the country. Yet terror attacks remain prevalent in many regions and are increasing in others, including politically and economically critical areas like the capital, Islamabad.

Less support has been allocated to innovative initiatives led by Pakistani women, whose influence over their families and communities positions them as key allies in the fight for regional stability. Women in civil society, government, and the security sector are implementing nonviolent, creative solutions that address both the root causes and devastating consequences of violent ideologies.

This delegation exemplifies the work of countless women moderating extremism throughout Pakistan, and the world. By sharing their expertise with US policymakers, they intend to build a more inclusive, effective approach to security in this volatile country and region.

Read “Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in Pakistan: Why Policewomen Must Have a Role.”

And don’t miss the upcoming event, “Countering Violent Extremism in Pakistan: Why Women Must Have a Role,” April 2, 2014 at the Atlantic Council.

Related posts from our delegation in April 2012:

• A New Look at Pakistan through the Eyes of Women on the Frontlines
• Much to My Surprise, a Warm Welcome for Pakistani Women Moderating Extremism
• An Open Thank You Letter to the US Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan
• A Whirlwind Week With 12 Women Peacebuilders from Pakistan
• Pakistani Women Leaders Propose Solutions for US Foreign Policy to Help End Extremist Violence
• 12 Influential Pakistani Women Leaders You Should Know

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