In 2012, Dr. Fatima Akilu was appointed to run Nigeria’s first official counter-extremism program in the wake of Boko Haram’s grip on the nation—and integrated de-radicalization and prevention programs across the prison and education systems.
Author: Aya Nader
Aya Nader is an independent journalist based in Egypt, published in Open Democracy, Daily News Egypt, The National, and Al-Monitor, among others. She is an MA candidate in International Relations at the American University in Cairo.
Building Back Better: Women Peace Activists Offering Governments a Helping Hand
From the Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership partners, the success stories of two women, one from Uganda and one from Syria, prove that with persistence and resilience, obstacles can be removed.
Radicalizing Basra: Fatima Al-Bahadly Was Celebrating a New Dawn in Iraq on Valentine’s Day
Social media in Iraq was awash with aggressive language against the “infidels” and their “sinful” celebrations on the eve of Valentine’s Day. But in Basra, Fatima Al-Bahadly was getting ready to celebrate love and peace.