Beyond consultation: collaborative governance and gendered CT/CVE in Spain

Civil society organisations (CSOs) are increasingly recognised as crucial actors in counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism (CT/CVE), particularly in addressing gendered harms and community-level vulnerabilities. However, despite widespread ‘whole-of-society’ rhetoric, engagement between states and civil society remains limited by securitisation logics, short-term project cycles, and persistent power asymmetries. These factors constrain meaningful participation and risk undermining CSO independence. This article investigates state–civil society collaboration in the design and implementation of gender-responsive CT/CVE measures. Drawing on interviews and surveys with both state and civil society stakeholders, and using Ansell and Gash collaborative governance model, it identifies how favourable starting conditions, inclusive institutional design, and facilitative leadership contributed to sustained and effective collaboration.