An Initiative of Women in Preventing and Countering Violence Extremism: The Mothers for Change Program

Abstract

Mothers are typically the pillars of their families and their communities, and because of this they have great potential to act as ‘peace agents’ at a local level. This potential has been recognised by the Mothers for Change Program, which seeks to empower mothers through leadership skills and parenting education to become agents of change within the home and play an active role in preventing and countering violent extremism. In addressing the particular challenge of radicalisation into violent extremism, the Mothers for Change Program recognises the need to educate mothers about the early warning signs of violent extremism and provide them with the leadership and communication skills, and the self-confidence, to engage their children in meaningful conversations. Through these conversations, mothers are given the opportunity to detect and engage with issues of radical ideas that may present in their children, giving them the opportunity to prevent involvement with radical or terrorist groups before it occurs. The Mothers for Change program has worked hard on equipping mothers with the requisite skills and knowledge to detect and deter radicalisation, but further support is required. In particular, more extensive collaboration with relevant partners such as civil society organisations and government bodies is required to expand and support the Mothers for Change initiative.