This chapter poses the following research questions: a) what should exactly be prevented and countered when referring to the role of women in countering violent extremism? b) should preventing and countering extremism apply only to violent acts or should it address also what some authors have termed cognitive radicalization? Consequently, the article puts forward the following hypotheses: a) ideology plays a key role in the radicalization process of individuals who take their radical beliefs to the next level by embracing violence; b) enhancing women's role in countering violent extremism requires addressing and confronting the radical and non-democratic ideas present at the root of violent extremism