Women’s Role in Securing Sustainable Development and Peace – South Asia

Abstract

This study intends to document the role and status of women in South Asian peace building initiatives by identifying them as key “peace builders” in various contexts. The central argument is that sustainable development and peace initiatives cannot be sustained without women‟s equal participation. Economies are less prosperous, peace solutions are more fragile, and peacekeeping missions are less credible without including women. The paper aims to support and define female roles and positions in peace building efforts by recognizing female „peace builders‟ in different realms of our society. By adopting an inside-out approach, the study looks at how we can re-harness the links already established between the South Asia region, particularly Pakistan and Afghanistan, whilst focusing on more indigenous solutions and commonalities to address the existing grievances and work towards a sense of more sustainable peace. In doing so, discussion and deliberation on why and how women-led regional networks in soft areas of mutual collaboration are lacking is a central question. And how women are potential can be proactively employed for long-lasting regional peace. To understand Women‟s position in peace and stability, the paper proposes an analysis of cross-cutting fields and areas where women can define their roles as peace builders and exercise their decision-making power. By referring to the principles of UNSCR 1325 for guidance, this article aims to tease apart how these groups differ in their needs, priorities, and capacity to advocate nonviolence and peace building (United States Institute of Peace, 2015).