How can we build more effective, inclusive responses to terrorism? One answer: put women at the centre of the effort.
That was the driving force behind a three-day regional workshop in Casablanca (8-10 July 2025), organised under the EU-funded CT-JUST project. The event brought together security professionals from across North and West Africa and the Middle East to advance the role of women in counterterrorism investigations.
Why this matters
Terrorist threats are evolving, with growing involvement of women as victims, perpetrators, and peacebuilders. Yet women remain underrepresented in security institutions, especially in leadership roles. Strengthening their participation is not only a matter of equality, it’s essential for long-term security and more effective prevention.
The Casablanca meeting marked the final stage in a regional cycle of activities aimed at professionalising the role of women in counterterrorism. It built on earlier sessions in Amman, Tunis and Dakar and was shaped by the experience of more than 80 professionals, including police officers, intelligence analysts, prosecutors and civil society representatives.
A regional platform for change
Participants from ten countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Nigeria and Jordan, shared their national experiences, identified common challenges, and worked together to develop practical, realistic recommendations.
These discussions led to a regional Working Paper with clear actions to:
- Break down institutional barriers to women’s participation;
- Build gender-sensitive training, recruitment and leadership pathways;
- Strengthen monitoring to track real-world impact;
- Ensure that women are part of cross-border counterterrorism efforts.
The document is designed to support national reforms and promote lasting change, not just as a policy statement, but as a field-tested roadmap.
Strong partnerships, shared priorities
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Antonio Casado of the EU Delegation to Morocco thanked the national authorities for their cooperation and reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism remains a top EU priority. He stressed the importance of inclusion, diversity, and international cooperation, not only to respond to threats, but to build more just and resilient societies.
