New Delhi: Women need to play a greater role in conflict prevention in today’s world as only 2% of peace deals signed in India is done so by women interlocutors, said
Radha Kumar
, an academic and author. Kumar, incidentally, was appointed as one of three interlocutors in 2010 by the central government for Jammu & Kashmir.
Speaking on the role of women in conflict and crisis zones, Kumar pointed out how unusual it was back then for a woman to be a part of a conflict-resolving body. “The situation has changed marginally. People are now more accepting of women as interlocutors,” she says.
‘Half-widow’ is how Kumar refers to women who have lost their husband in conflict zones. The term ‘half’, she says, is because the majority of women in J&K are often unsure if their husband has actually died or just been captured by enemies. “When it comes to human rights in conflict areas, women are usually in deep trouble,” she adds.
The classic dilemma for a woman working in a conflict zone is about the rights of women. “The question that always bothers us is whether we want absolute rights for women or accept a compromise? Majority of women end up accepting a compromise deal, because for them ending the war is more important,” Kumar explains.
The situation, however, is much different in the northeast. Preeti Gill, who has worked extensively on issues of conflict and women in the region, points out how Naga women often block highways to prevent people from bringing liquor into their villages. “Women stop cars and confiscate alcohol from them. They have stood up for their rights,” says Gill.
Gill, however, believes that the situation has improved in recent years and credits writers from the region. “The more you write about the issues, the more you get to know about the grim reality of your country,” she feels.
Kota Neelima, a political author and journalist, has covered the Vidarbha region extensively. Her book ‘Widows of Vidarbha’ details the struggle of women farmers in the arid Maharashtra farmland. With over 15 major protests in the last 18 months in Maharashtra over farmer issues, Neelima believes that agriculture in India is not a sustainable choice. “Suicide of a farmer doesn’t end with his death. It carries on to his widow, who in turn has to take care of the family, ” she says.
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