This article explores the diverse forms of women’s participation in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) initiatives in the Philippines. While most literature on P/CVE primarily emphasises women’s roles as mothers, this paper highlights other roles women undertake within P/CVE efforts. These participatory forms stem from the contextual conditions driving violent extremism, offering a nuanced understanding of women’s local engagement. Drawing insights from interviews conducted in Mindanao with civil society organisations, grassroots organisations, international organisations and government agencies, the study shows how gendered stereotypes portraying women as inherently peaceful and nonradical shape women’s roles in P/CVE. The article argues that women strategically leverage these stereotypes to assert their influence beyond traditional domestic spheres through three roles: as mothers, they engage in P/CVE activities within their households; as mediators, they facilitate conflict resolution to prevent the escalation of communal violence that can lead to extremism; and as monitors, they work to detect, report and address early signs of violent extremism and local violence in their communities. Examining these roles reveals the diverse ways in which women exercise agency in preventing and countering violent extremism.