Listening to women defectors from al Shabaab: Strengthening gender-sensitive disengagement efforts in Somalia

ABSTRACT The primary focus of Somalia’s Defection Rehabilitation Programme and other disengagement efforts has been on male defectors. This study, given its specific focus on women associated with al Shabaab, serves to support a rationale for gender-sensitive rehabilitation and reintegration efforts following involvement with extremist and terrorist groups. The authors interviewed women defectors from al Shabaab, providing a rare glimpse into their experiences. As such, the research contributes towards developing a baseline for research on female ex-combatants or those affiliated with al Shabaab in general. Issues analysed include those of personal identity, the mechanics of recruitment, pathways out of extremism, and the prevalence of gender stereotypes blended with the need to provide for the long-term needs of women leaving al Shabaab. Future research should include larger samples of wives and other female family of al Shabaab members, as well as current female members of the group.