MIRPUR: Speakers at capacity building workshop exclusively for women mediators emphasised on equal access of both men and women to education, healthcare and technology to ensure their vibrant and result oriented constructive role in all sections of society. Day-long workshop was hosted by world fame Kashmiri think tank, Centre for Peace, Development and Reforms (CPDR) here encourage women participation in all spheres of life with due powers. Participants comprising about 20 women activists from Muzaffarabad region discussed role of women in socio-economic sphere of life in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and to formulate strategies to improve their representation in decision-making. Prof. Dr. Shaheen Akhtar said that women’s participation was crucial to maintaining peace in longstanding and durable practices.

Involvement of civil society groups and incorporation of women’s organisations in social systems minimizes their failure chances 64 percent, endorsing that negotiation and mediation are fundamental methods of conflict resolution”, she added.

She criticised existing power structure and exclaimed that it required modification and an improved discourse on gender. “Literacy rate of women in AJK is 67 percent, indicating high level of girls’ enrollment in schools as compared to other regions where noticeable gender disparity exists,” she articulated. However, women still have limited access to information, training and decision-making powers.

Second session of workshop titled, ‘Journey to Self-Discovery’ was conducted by Manal Sohail, an Anthropologist and Communication Specialist. She encouraged participants to share their insights. She elaborated on concept of self-awareness for living an emotionally, spiritually and physically nourished life.

Her session included multiple activities to facilitate women’s notion of human inventiveness, better decision-making, teamwork and collaboration.

Several women from various towns of Muzaffarabad and around raised their voices against victims of these clashes, facing lack of resources, unlawful prejudice and bias, limited women political participation, lack of employment opportunities, healthcare, conveyance and other facilities.

According to a resident of Neelum Valley, since 1989 uprising in Indian-held Jammu and Kashmir, women who live near Line of Control have faced several difficulties and endured immense agony. Many ladies lost their husbands and had to move from their native land. Some people also lost their sons in ongoing strife. An orphaned generation is being raised by them. They must receive immediate physical and mental rehabilitation.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 31 2022

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