Women’s role and influence in organized crime

Monday, November 27, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST
Online only: https://www.brookings.edu/events/womens-role-and-influence-in-organized-crime 

Women have been integral to the drug trade and criminal underworld, yet their experiences are frequently overlooked, fetishized, or deemed exceptions. Along the U.S.-Mexico border, women oversee money laundering, facilitate cross-border drug flows, and have held leadership positions in violent cartels. Elsewhere in Latin America, women assume pivotal roles as bosses, confidantes, and business partners in illicit trades. In Europe, the Neapolitan criminal underworld is shaped by female leaders and foot soldiers. In Asia, women have at times become some of the most notorious and feared criminals. Yet policies concerning organized crime rarely factor in the influence and role of women. Does that need to change to achieve better policy outcomes?

On November 27, the Brookings Initiative on Nonstate Armed Actors will bring together leading experts to delve into the diverse roles women play in organized crime. The discussion will explore how women actively engage in organized crime enterprises, challenge common misconceptions, and explore the need for gender-informed policy adjustments in the fight against organized crime.

Viewers can submit questions via email to events@brookings.edu or on Twitter/X @BrookingsFP using #CriminalWomen.