Reading time : 0 minutes
Aligarh, October 4: The Department of Strategic and Security Studies, Faculty of International Studies, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), concluded a two-day International Conference on “Local Values of Peace: Women and their Role in Forging Peaceful Communities – Jammu and Kashmir, Northeast India and Beyond”at the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The conference explored women’s contributions to peacebuilding in conflict-affected regions and examined how local cultural values can foster reconciliation and harmony.
A special virtual lecture was delivered by Prof. Sarah Njeri from SOAS, University of London, U.K., who emphasized community-based peace initiatives in Africa while critically assessing Western-dominated frameworks in peacebuilding discourse.
The second day featured three technical sessions chaired by Dr. Huma Hasan, Prof. Nazia Hasan, and Dr. Tauseef Fatima, where participants presented research on the gendered dimensions of conflict, militarization, and women’s resilience in Kashmir and Northeast India. Scholars from various Indian universities shared perspectives on women’s lived experiences and their transformative role in peace processes.
The Valedictory Session was graced by Prof. Mohammad Azher, Chairperson, Department of West Asian and North African Studies, who highlighted the importance of increasing women’s political participation and drew parallels with the struggles of women in Palestine, commending their courage in preserving family and cultural identity amidst conflict.
Dr. Syed Tahseen Raza, Principal Investigator of the SPARC Project, presented a report on the deliberations, while Prof. Aftab Alam, Dean, Faculty of International Studies, lauded the organizers for promoting scholarly engagement in peace and security studies. Certificates were distributed to paper presenters.
Dr. Anam Fatima proposed the vote of thanks.
Public Relations Office
Aligarh Muslim University
Courtesy: Facebook page of the Aligarh Muslim University News