Civil Society, Gender and De-Radicalization Programs: A Case of PAIMAN Alumni Trust

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to comprehend the approaches and manifestations of de-radicalization programs of the Islamabad-based civil society PAIMAN Alumni Trust, also, to evaluate the role of gender in this process. Radicalization that ultimately leads to extremism and terrorism has become the potent threat to harmony of Pakistani society. Pakistan responded to this menace with de-radicalization programs, one of the significant strategies of countering radicalization. The failure of the male-dominated security strategies of the state created room for the gender and civil societies. This study is methodologically qualitative, while descriptive and interpretive approaches have also been utilized to deal with the research queries. The interviews, personal observation and archival data are utilized for data collection. It is argued that PAIMAN has made the women and de-radicalization process visible, but it did not make the resilient changes in the social structure because of the challenges of deficiency of funds, traditionalism, harassment and restrictive regimes for civil societies. It is suggested that it should develop the better relations with media, make the alliance of local civil societies and effectively utilize the international donor agencies and advocacy groups for overcoming the challenges.