Washington, DC - Women who are leading efforts to combat violent extremism in their communities in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and South and Central Asia are visiting the United States, June 6-21, to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Program, “Women Preventing Violent Extremism.” This program is part of the State Department’s efforts to engage civil society and local communities in these efforts.

The 25 women leaders will begin the program by attending the Women and Extremism Summit in Washington D.C., co-hosted by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, on June 8-9. The summit is focused on the roles that women play in extremism and counter-extremism.

Throughout the program, these women will further explore how counter-narratives and grassroots engagement can delegitimize radical ideology in vulnerable communities. Through meetings with local leaders, think tanks, U.S. government, and leading technology and communications companies in Washington D.C., New York City, and San Francisco, participants will examine ways to strengthen counterterrorism activities and associated programs. These women will also establish a global network for ongoing cooperation.

Participants are arriving from Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Georgia, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Macedonia, the Maldives, Morocco, Norway, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland, Tajikistan, and the United Kingdom.