This essay explores how women's organisations contribute to countering and preventing violent extremism (CVE/PVE) and what concerns exist when linking women's initiatives to the security agenda. It explores the different ways in which women and women's organisations have contributed to CVE/PVE efforts and discusses the nexus between improving women's rights and countering and preventing violent extremism. This essay draws on academic literature, reports on the issue and interviews with practitioners working in the field.