This chapter discusses crime in urban settings within the context of peace, conflict, and security from a gender perspective. The youth bulge in Africa presents a double-edged sword: when empowered, youth can become a force for positive change; otherwise, they may pose a significant threat to peace and security, primarily through involvement in crime. Traditionally, crime has been viewed as a male-dominated sphere; yet women—particularly young women in urban settlements—are actively engaged in criminal activities. Deprived of basic needs, they often resort to crime and antisocial behavior, facilitating the flow of illegal arms, which further exacerbates violence and insecurity. Socio-economic and familial factors compel them to seek coping mechanisms within criminal gang structures to fulfill unmet needs. The examination of crime must be integrated into peace, conflict, and security studies in Africa, emphasizing the need for community policing strategies based on trust-building and gender-sensitive approaches to better understand and address gender dynamics. Furthermore, the decolonization debate highlights how contemporary socio-economic systems marginalize youth, with an education system oriented toward formal employment, despite a scarcity of jobs. This marginalization underscores the urgency for inclusive policies that empower youth and mitigate the risks of crime and insecurity within urban contexts.