The research study gives a clear picture of the role of women in the country and their position in the institutions on national and local level with regards to preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalisation. At the same time, it provides an insight into the perception of various actors, experts in different areas, organisations and institutions, on the role of women.

This research study was conducted in the period of May-June 2020 and it covered a total of 31 respondents through interviews and questionnaires. Out of the total number of respondents, 18 were female and 15 were male. Concerning the gathering of data through questionnaires – the institutions and municipalities responded strictly in writing, whereas some of the experts agreed to a phone interview through a call recording application. Out of the total number of interviewed experts, 53% were women and 47% were men. Concerning the method of data collection, a recorded phone interview was agreed to by 60% women and 40% men. From the responses submitted by the municipalities – as many as 67% were prepared by women, whereas 37% by men. Only 2 of the 6 (interviewed) municipalities are run by women.

The National Committee for Countering Violent Extremism and Countering Terrorism has 22 members, out of which only 9 are women, or just 41%, and none of them holds a managerial or coordinating position. Neither there is a woman at the position of a deputy coordinator. The external members of this body are also women – 3 of them; however, it does not change the fact that the internal positions, as well as those appointed by the managers of the institutions do not even reach 50% of the total number, and neither there is a woman at a managerial position within the body.