THE ROLE OF MUSLIM WOMEN IN PREVENTING VIOLENT EXTREMISM (PVE) IN INDONESIA Alimatul Qibtiyah, Ph.D.

Within the discourse of Islamic extremist movement, Muslim women are no longer seen as supporters. There are cases in which women are behind the violent action. Between 1985 and 2010, female bombers committed over 257 suicide attacks (representing about a quarter of the total). In 2017 there are 420 Indonesian returnees from Syria who joined ISIS, 70 percent of them women and children. At least 45 Indonesian women migrant worker has suspected involved at ISIS. Social Media have a big contribution for recruiting the extremist member. The power of social media is to influence netizen by emphasizing feeling instead of thinking which reinforces gender stereotypes that women are more emotional than rational. Although more women have been actively involved in intolerant activities recently, women’s roles as policy shapers, educators, community members and activists in Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) have started to be recognized. Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda from UNSCR 1325 also asserts that women's role in CVE is significant important. There is a strong correlation between gender inequality and the status of women and violent conflict. Promoting gender equality is included in the recommendations in the UN’s Preventing Violent Extremism Plan of Action. Violent extremism is most effectively countered through increased education, better critical thinking and enhanced opportunities for women. There are at least 23 organizations in Indonesia contribute to a national CVE strategy for Indonesia. One of them is 'Aisyiyah, a woman's wing organization of Muhammadiyah, one of two biggest Islamic organizations in Indonesia. This paper discusses the experience of 'Aisyiyah promoting Peace of Islam through training which encourages women to be an agent of active tolerance. 'Aisyiyah implements active learning and uses media such as religious animation and poster as a training strategy