https://sputniknews.in/20231123/women-warriors-meet-the-unstoppable-force-protecting-peace-5511755.html

Women Warriors: Meet the Unstoppable Force Protecting Peace

Women Warriors: Meet the Unstoppable Force Protecting Peace

Sputnik India

In a world often marred by skirmishes and conflict, it is the indomitable spirit of women that shines through as a beacon of hope.

2023-11-23T16:29+0530

2023-11-23T16:29+0530

2023-11-23T16:29+0530

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From Afghanistan to Palestine, from the corridors of power to the frontlines of advocacy, women have risen above oppression, patriarchal barriers and shattered societal norms to become the driving force behind peace, justice, and equality.On the other hand, the conflicts like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Palestine stand as stark reminder of the destructive nature of ego, hegemony, masculine power show, to ensure dominancy and hegemony. Asma Jahangir battled for justice, peace, and human rights in Pakistan. Malala Yousafzai, an icon of education, resistance, and empowerment, continues to inspire millions worldwide. Tawakkol Karman, Leymah Roberta Gbowee, Hanan Ashrawi, Arundhati Roy, and Benazir Bhutto— these extraordinary women have dedicated their lives to peace, justice, and equality. Sisterhood: Unleashing the Power of Women for Global PeaceIn a world full of violence and conflict, women are often the ones who come out on top, inspiring others and sparking societal change. Tawakkol Karman, Leymah Roberta Gbowee, and Hanan Daoud Mikhael Ashrawi are just a few of the many remarkable women who have broken down barriers and contributed significantly to peacekeeping efforts.The Women of Liberian Mass Action for Peace campaign was spearheaded by the brave Liberian peace campaigner Leymah Roberta Gbowe. Gbowe persistently organized Liberian women in 2003 to bring an end to the Second Liberian Civil War by unifying them under the nonviolent flag. Her efforts, along with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's leadership, brought about a period of peace and made it possible for a fair election to be held in 2005. Gbowe's courage and resilience made her a symbol of hope for women worldwide.List goes on, Tawakkol Karman established a new chapter in history as the first Arab woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In Yemen, where she was widely recognised as an activist, she valiantly opposed injustice and advocated for human rights and free expression. Karman's resolute dedication to spearheading nonviolent demonstrations throughout the Arab Spring galvanised a vast audience and effectively demonstrated the transformative capacity of women in effecting significant societal and political shifts.Similarly, Hanan Ashrawi, a renowned Palestinian scholar and leader, has devoted her entire existence to advocating for the Palestinian people's rights. She was praised for her extraordinary ability to articulate her ideas clearly and for her unwavering commitment to peace. From Oppression to Activism: Malala Yousafzai and Nadia Murad's Journey of Courage and ResilienceMalala Yousafzai, a Pakistani advocate for girls' education, was born in the Swat Valley, which was once controlled by the Taliban*. Even though it was dangerous, Malala didn't give up on her goal of going to school. Under the name Gul Makai, she wrote a blog about her problems and hopes.Similarly, another iron lady, Nadia Murad, a Yazidi woman from Iraq, suffered unimaginable horrors when Daesh** militants invaded her village in 2014. Along with thousands of other Yazidi women and girls, she was kidnapped, enslaved, and subjected to violence. Nadia managed to escape and became a powerful voice for the Yazidi community, documenting their suffering and demanding justice for the atrocities committed against them.Today, Nadia and Malala continue to work for peace, justice, and equality. Nadia co-founded Nadia's Initiative, an organization that supports Yazidi survivors of Daesh violence, while Malala founded the Malala Fund, an organization that provides education for girls worldwide.Arundhati Roy and Asma Jahangir: Two Champions of Peace, Justice, and EqualityArundhati Roy, the celebrated Indian author and activist, burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, "The God of Small Things," which garnered her the prestigious Booker Prize. But her literary prowess extends far beyond the realm of fiction. Roy's essays and non-fiction works, such as "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness" and "The Broken Republic," examine into critical issues such as nuclear weapons, violence, environmental degradation, and the Kashmir conflict. Her writings are characterized by their sharp intellect, unwavering courage, and profound empathy for the marginalized and oppressed communities and individuals. She is not afraid to challenge powerful institutions, expose injustices, and speak truth to power, even when it means facing opposition and threats. In the context of women's empowerment and their role in todays world, she wrote: On the Pakistani side, Asma Jahangir, was a formidable Pakistani lawyer and human rights advocate who was so much vocal against injustice, inequality and oppression. She courageously fought for the rights of the marginalized communities, vulnerabilities, and confronted various threats and challenges. She fought for the rights of women, minorities, religious and ethnic groups, and those facing political persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. Jahangir worked to promote cross-border and people-to-people communication. In the contex of human rights issues and injustices, she fought for women, Baloch, and miniorities. Jahangir founded the Pakistan India Peoples' Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) to facilitate mutual understanding and cooperation between the citizens of the two nations. She also played a major role in the negotiation of a peace agreement between Pakistan and India.Unstoppable Struggles and Unwavering CommitmentThese empowered women spoke out against the status quo and suppression, so they were threatened, scared, and even attacked physically. In spite of this, they never gave up on their beliefs and kept fighting for peace, justice, and equality, especially in the context of South Asia and the Indo-Pak relationship.Asma Jahangir, who died in 2018, continues to encourage and empower people who work for peace, justice, equality, and rights. Her steadfast dedication to these ideas has left an indelible mark on the history of India, Pakistan, and other places as well.Similarly, Roy's writings are still read and talked about because they make people think about the stories that keep war and oppression going. Similarly, the cases and attempts of Jahangir in court have set examples for the defense of human rights and the search for justice in Pakistan. All in all, at a time when brotherhood has faltered, it is sisterhood that holds the key to global peace. Women possess an innate nature rooted in love, peace and justice, nurtured by their roles as mothers and caregivers. Today, more than ever, we must celebrate the empowered woman who fearlessly leads us into a brighter future. Let us embrace their strength, wisdom, and indomitable spirit as we strive for a world where peace, harmony, justice, and equality to prevail.Together, let us usher in the era of breaking barriers where the empowered woman reigns as a beacon of hope and catalyst for change in our world today.*The Taliban is under UN sanctions for extremism.**Daesh (IS/ISIS/ISIL) is a terrorist organization banned in Russia and other states.

https://sputniknews.in/20231009/what-indian-women-want-from-govt-for-real-empowerment-4638910.html

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