The 66th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on April 26, 2019, on the theme of “Role of Women in Peacebuilding”.
The participating guest speakers were of the view that making up an overwhelming portion of the overall population and that too with such a tremendous potential, the exclusion of women from peacebuilding process will be detrimental to social cohesion.
The first guest in studio, Ms. Nosheen Orakzai, a faculty member from the University of Peshawar noted that women are peace-loving by their nature. The inclusion of women in the peacebuilding and conflict resolution processes is critical to social cohesion given that half of the country’s population is comprised of females. She stressed that to ensure women’s active and positive participation in the socio-political or economic development, it is essential to first educate them, followed by the provision of equal opportunities for social mobility. It is therefore necessary to create an environment conducive to their meaningful participation in the democratic processes; especially decision making. Women empowerment will also pave the way for more women oriented opportunities that can help them be an important part of decision making processes.
Compliance with the constitutional values of peace and coexistence can help foster gender equality. The constitutional and human rights education should be made part of the educational curricula to sensitize the society at large on the importance of role of women in peacebuilding. With women on board the peacebuilding process, a society is bound to experience peace and sustainable development.
The second guest on phone, Nazra Syed was of the view that only by institutionalizing the gender inclusion and women empowerment, can we harness the true potential of female populace in the peacebuilding and overall development of the country. Government has taken some steps in this direction, but more need to be taken.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.