The 77th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on July 19, 2019, on the theme of “Role of Women in Peacebuilding” to underscore the criticality of inclusive peacebuilding processes.
The first guest on show, Ms. Farah Khan Yousafzai, a women’s rights activist, said that peace refers to the state of absence of conflict. The most important element of a progressive society is peace where women have the most crucial role. As direct victims of extremism, women can better understand not only the importance of peaceful society but the drivers jeopardizing the social peace and harmony. Cultural barriers are also responsible for the minimal participation of women in peacebuilding processes and also inhibit inclusive democratic development. Women living in rural and less-developed areas are still not aware of their fundamental rights to be able to make any contribution – only with little efforts – in the socio-political and economic progress.
Modern means of communications and information dissemination have been successful – to some extent – in developing understanding among the masses that a society cannot progress if the women are not in a dynamic position and not on board the decision making processes. Their role is crucial to not only the establishment but also the maintenance of peace in the environments vulnerable to conflict. Male members of the society should be cognizant of the importance of representation of women in every field of life, and provide a conducive environment to them. They must be equally encouraged for their political participation both at the community, provincial and national levels.
She stressed that social cohesion is the lifeline of a progressive society and that only nurtures when every individual is aware of their rights as well as responsibilities.
The second guest on show, Mr. Muzammil Khan Mohmand, an advocate, noted that women’s role is not only key to cohesion and peace in the society but in every field of life in the contemporary times. Their own capacity is crucial to the progressive society given their role in raising a generation as educated women can better rear their children as responsible members of a society. The political participation of women in far-flung areas direly needs to be improved and that can be happened only through education.
The radio report prepared by Mr. Inam Ullah Khan underlined that peace is the basic necessity of every individual and it can help fostering active citizens’ participation in the key democratic processes at play. However, any such contribution from the male and female members of a society needs education on responsible citizenship.
“The human history is testament to the fact that the ultimate beneficiary of peace is woman. In a state of war, we see that women have to bear the brunt in the shape of sexual abuse. In the aftermath of the war, women have to look after their homes and families besides the other affairs and most of the trouble is faced by them. That’s why we say that women would be most benefited when there is peace”, commented Ms. Asma Munir in the radio report.
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.