Skip to content Skip to navigation

National Seminar: The Role of Women in Peace Processes

By AT News |

National Seminar: The Role of Women in Peace Processes


North Eastern Social Research Centre, Guwahati


November 2nd & 3rd, 2018


Venue: Jagriti 3rd floor, GMCH Road, Christian Basti, Guwahati (Next to St. John’s Hospital)


 



North Eastern Social Research Centre, Guwahati is organising a two-day National Seminar on “The Role of Women in Peace Processes.” The focus of the seminar is Northeast India but there will be a few presentations from the rest of the country.


 


Ms Teesta Setalvad, Secretary, Centre for Justice and Peace, Mumbai will give the keynote address. Prof. Ritu Dewan, former Director of the Department of Economics, Bombay University and former President, Indian Association of Women’s Studies will speak on the impact of the Kashmir Conflict on women. Neha Dixit, freelance journalist, New Delhi will speak on women and communal conflicts. Ms Amrita Gogoi of Dibrugarh University will speak on women’s role in the Nepal Maoist struggle. 


Speakers from the Northeast include Dr. Anjali Daimari of Barama College and President, Bodo Women’s Justice Forum, Dr. Monisha Behal of North East Network (NEN), Guwahati, Dr. N. Vijaylaxmi Brara of Manipur University, Dr. Veronica Pala of Economics Department, NEHU, Shillong and others. 


The seminar attempts to analyse conflicts and peace processes in Northeast India (NEI). According to official sources NEI records the highest number of ethnic conflicts in South Asia. Recurrent efforts have been made to open a space for dialogue between the State and the militant groups or between the communities in conflict. The dialogue between the State and the militants has mostly resulted in partial and temporary respite. They have failed to address the structural dimensions of the conflict and to involve people from all social intersections. That has turned the dialogue into a discussion moving more towards power sharing and ceasefire than a lasting solution. Genuine peace should ideally be seen as a new society based on justice, not merely as absence of armed conflict. Peace to be real cannot be limited to power sharing between the State and the Militants but should result in a new space that includes the civil society, particularly women in the process. Women are by and large excluded from the dialogue with the State because it is limited to the militant groups, both of which are dominated by men. 


While the official dialogue is mainly between men, the Northeast has many instances of women taking an active part in peace building as demonstrated, among others, by the Meira Paibis of Manipur through their protests near Kangla Fort against the Indian Army and State to revoke the draconian AFSPA in 2004. It is seen also in the social roots of the politics of Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) derived from the role women played as ‘demi’ (mediators) in various Naga tribal traditions. One can add other traditions that entail a gender mainstreaming in conflict structures by recognising the positive agency of women that takes them beyond their cultural roles. 


This conference will probe into the dual themes of the impact of conflicts on women, their roles, forms of intervention and capacities and limitations in peace building. By sharing the local experiences and traditional knowledge of communities appropriated by women to organise peace strategies, the participants will look into the processes of conflicts and peace in which they get involved. Studies indicate that women suffer more in times of conflict but they are excluded from the peace processes. A better understanding of this situation can assist men to become allies in the ‘gender sensitive interventions’ for peace building. 


 


Dr Walter Fernandes
Senior Fellow and Seminar Coordinator


===


           National seminar on the Role of Women in Peace Processes


Organised by


North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC), Guwahati


 


Venue: Seminar Hall, Jagriti, 3rd floor                                                Date: 2nd and 3rd November, 2018


 

























































Day 1: Friday, 2nd November, 2018

9:30-10:00

Registration

 


 


 


10:00-10:05


10:05-10:10


10:10 – 10:40


 


10:40 -11:00

Inaugural Session


 


Chairperson: Dr. Rakhee Kalita Moral, Associate Professor, Cotton University


A Word of Welcome: Dr. Melvil Pereira, Director, NESRC


Introduction to the Seminar: Ms. Kusumika Ghosh, Research Associate, NESRC


Keynote Speaker: Ms. Teesta Setalvad, Human Rights Activist, CJP, Mumbai


Theme: Women, Conflicts and Peace: Do they only Suffer or Participate in the Process and Decisions?


Chairperson Speaks

11:00 – 11.15

Tea Break

11:15


–


13:00

Session I: Women’s Role in Conflicts & Peace


 


Chairperson: Ms Teesta Setalvad, Human Rights Activist, CJP, Mumbai


Themes and Speakers:


1.      

Negotiating the Peaceful Way: Female Guerrillas from the PW of Nepal


Ms. Amrita P. Gogoi, Assistant Professor, Political Science, Dibrugarh University.


2.      

Re-Framing the Gender Question in the Conflict-Peace Paradigm:


The Kashmir Context


Prof. Ritu Dewan, Former chairperson, IAWS (2014-17)


3.      

Impact of Communal Conflicts on Women and Their Role in Communal Peace.


Ms. Neha Dixit, Freelance journalist, New Delhi


13:00 – 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00


–


15:30

Session II: Nagaland and Sikkim


 


Chairperson: Dr. Samhita Barooah, Freelance Journalist & Independent Researcher


Themes and Speakers:


1.      

Women, the NMA and Peace Processes in Nagaland


Ms. Vizokhole Ltu, Research Associate, NESRC


2.      

The Customary Law and Women’s Struggles for Property and Political Rights


Dr. Sumi Daa-Dhora, HoD, English & Dr. Medonuo Pienyu, HoD, Sociology [St Joseph’s College, Jakhama, Nagaland]


3.      

Contextualising Conflicts and the Role of Women in Peace Processes in Sikkim: An Overview


Dr Garima Thakuria, Asst. Professor, Anthropology & Mr Shankar Narayan Bagh, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Sociology [Sikkim University]


15:30 – 15:45

Tea Break

15:45


 –


17:15

Session III: Manipur


 


Chairperson: Dr. Yengkhom Jilangamba, Chairperson, Centre for Peace & Conflict Studies, TISS, Guwahati


Themes and Speakers:


1.      

Meira Paibi: A Great legacy


Dr. N. Vijaylaxmi Brara, Associate Professor, Sociology, Manipur University


2.      

The Role of Women in the Kuki-Naga Conflict and Peace Process


Dr. S. Manikho Kohusii, Dept. of Sociology, Asst. Professor & Mr. Athili Hopeson Kayina, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Political Science, Japfii Christian College, Kigwema, Nagaland


3.      

Blockades and the Three Bills in Manipur:  Role of Women in the ILPS Demand and the Anti-Three Bill Campaign


Dr. Ruth Nengneilhing, University of Delhi & Dr. Hoineilhing Sitlhou, University of Hyderabad


 

Day 2: Saturday, 3rd November, 2018

09:30


 –


11:00

Session IV: Tripura & Mizoram


 


Chairperson: Dr. Polly Vauquline, HoD, Women’s Studies, Gauhati University


Themes and Speakers:


1.      

The Role of Women in the Bru-Mizo Conflict


Ms. Ratna Reang, PhD Scholar, Agartala


2.      

Women in Conflict and Peace in Tripura: A Review


Dr. Pankaj Chakraborty, Dean of Social Sciences, Holy Cross College, Agartala


3.      

The Role of Women in the Mizo Nationalist Struggle and in the Peace Process


Dr. Hminthangzuali Chhakchhuak, Department of History, Mizoram University

11:00 – 11:15

Tea Break

11:15


 –


12:45

 Session V: Assam


 


Chairperson: Dr. Pahi Saikia, Associate Professor, Political Science, Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, IIT, Guwahati


Themes and Speakers:


1.      

The Impact on Women of the BTAD Conflicts and their involvement in the peace process


Dr. Anjali Daimari, Founder & President, Bodo Women’s Justice Forum (India)


2.      

Women and Conflicts: A Study in Karbi Anglong District


Ms. Jyotikona Chetia, Research Associate, NESRC, &


Ms. Bhaswati Borgohain, PhD Scholar, Tezpur University


3.      

The Role of Women in the Assam Movement and its Aftermath


Dr. Monisha Behal, CEO, North East Network, Guwahati


 

12:45 – 13:45

Lunch

13:45


 –


15:15

Session VI: Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya


 


Chairperson: Prof. Kalyan Das, OKDISCD, Guwahati


Themes and Speakers:


1.      

Role of Khasi - Pnar Women as Community Builders and Peace Makers


Dr. Veronica Pala, Faculty, Dept. of Economics, NEHU, Shillong


2.      

The Chakma-Hajong Resettlement Controversy and its Impact on Women


Dr. Jumyir Basar, Faculty, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar


3.      

The Role of Women through the Lens of the Print Media in the Nationalist Struggle and Peace Processes in Mizoram


Ms. L. V. Lalrintluangi & Dr. C. Zonunmowia; Asst. Professors, St Xavier’s College, Lengpui, Aizawl, Mizoram

15:15-15.30

Tea

 


 


 


15:30


–


17:00

Session VII: Valedictory Session


 


 Chairperson: Dr. Asha Kothari Choudhury, Associate Professor, Dept. of English, Gauhati University


 


1.      

Summary of the Seminar Discussion: Dr. Walter Fernandes, Senior Fellow, NESRC


2.      

Valedictory Address:  Ms. Parismita Singh, Freelance Writer, Guwahati    


3.      

Chairperson Speaks


4.      

Vote of Thanks: Dr. Meenal Tula, Senior Research Associate, NESRC
     


 

Author info

AT News's picture

Assam Times Staff. editor@assamtimes.org
  • 15057 reads

Add new comment

Other Contents by Author

NewsClick verdict: when the state gets it wrong, who pays the price?

The Delhi High Court's decision to quash the Delhi Police and Enforcement Directorate cases against NewsClick is not merely a legal victory for one media organisation. It is a test of India's commitment to justice, accountability and press freedom. In unusually strong language, the court described the proceedings as a "gross abuse of the process of law" and observed that the allegations failed to disclose the essential ingredients of the offences alleged. The court further noted that despite years of investigation, no incriminating material had been produced to justify the prosecution. Such observations are rare and significant. They go beyond technical defects and strike at the very...

Kaziranga Chess Carnival 2026: Amlan Mahanta Wins Open Title

The second edition of the Kaziranga Chess Carnival concluded successfully today at Borgos Resort, Kohora, drawing 140 chess players from across India in what has quickly become one of Assam's notable sporting and tourism events. The one-day tournament was held across three categories — Under-10, Under-15 and Open. In the Open category, Amlan Mahanta claimed the top prize of ₹25,000, with Iftikar Alom Mazumdar and Tanmay Rajbongshi finishing second and third respectively. Total prize money for the event stood at ₹1 lakh. In the Under-15 Boys category, Abhirup Handique topped the standings, followed by Ankit Doley and Bishwajit Boruah, while Debangee Parijat led the Under-15 Girls field...

Internship Program on Manuscript and Manuscriptology from July 1

 In a significant initiative to preserve and promote Assam's rich manuscript heritage, the Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva, in collaboration with the International Council on Monuments and Sites, India, North-East Zone (ICOMOS), is organizing a special Internship Program on 'Manuscript and Manuscriptology' beginning July 1, 2026. The two-week residential training program, designed in alignment with the New Education Policy, is open to college and university students of all disciplines, including Arts, History, Archaeology and Museum Science. Participants will receive hands-on training in traditional Sanchipat preparation, use of natural pigments such as hengul and haital,...

350 NCC Cadets Participate in Combined Training Camp and Disaster Response Programme at NERIST

Nirjuli, June 3: The 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), under the aegis of the NCC Group Headquarters Tezpur, has commenced its Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC-37) cum Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme (YAMS) programme at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli. The ten-day camp began on June 1 and will continue until June 10. A total of 350 NCC cadets from Group Headquarters Tezpur are participating in the camp, including 56 cadets enrolled under the Yuva Aapda Mitra Scheme. The camp is being conducted under the leadership of the Commanding Officer and Administrative Officer of 1 Arunachal Pradesh Battalion NCC, supported...

Kaziranga Rhino Cup 2026 Boxing Championship to Be Held in Golaghat from June 5–7

The Kaziranga Rhino Cup 2026, a major national-level boxing selection tournament, will be held at Golaghat Stadium in Assam from June 5 to June 7, 2026. The event is being organized as a qualifying platform for the upcoming Pro Boxing League (PBL) of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation. The tournament will serve as the second qualifying stage ahead of the Pro Boxing League scheduled to be held in New Delhi in July 2026. Through the competition, eight boxers—including five men and three women across different weight categories—will be selected for participation in the professional league. Speaking about the event, Dr. Rakesh Mishra, National President of the Indian Amateur Boxing...

CAG Flags ₹509 Crore Expenditure Without Budget Provision in Assam

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged expenditure of ₹509.59 crore incurred by the Assam government during 2024-25 without any budget provision, supplementary grant, or re-appropriation order, raising concerns over financial management and legislative oversight. According to the CAG's State Finance Audit Report for Assam (Report No. 2 of 2026), the expenditure was incurred in 13 cases under the head "Public Debt and Servicing of Debt" despite the absence of authorization through the state's budgetary process. The audit report observed that such expenditure was in violation of Article 204 of the Constitution, which mandates legislative approval before funds can...

Fresh Oil Drilling Clearance Raises Concerns Over Upper Dehing Forest Conservation

The granting of environmental clearance for oil drilling inside the Upper Dehing Reserved Forest has reignited concerns among environmentalists and local residents over the future of one of Upper Assam's ecologically sensitive forest landscapes. According to a public notice issued by Oil India Limited (OIL), the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Assam, has accorded environmental clearance for the diversion of 3.73 hectares of forest land for drilling four oil wells at the old Bogapani-2 plinth in the Upper Dehing Reserved Forest (West Block) under the Digboi Forest Division. The clearance, granted under the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)...

Nava Thakuria to Receive Narad Jayanti Award

Vishwa Samvad Kendra (VSK) Assam has announced the annual Devarshi Narad Jayanti lecture programme, which will be held on Sunday, June 7, at Sudarshanalay in the Barbari area of Guwahati. The event will begin at 10:30 am. Nationally acclaimed news presenter and Senior Advisor of the News Division at Delhi Doordarshan, Prakhar Shrivastava, will deliver the keynote lecture focusing on the life and contributions of Devarshi Narad, regarded as the world's first media professional. On the occasion, senior journalist and editor of Ishan Darpan, Nava Thakuria, will be conferred the Devarshi Narad Jayanti Award 2026 in recognition of his long-standing contributions to journalism. Three...

Nagaland Student Wins Prestigious Taiwan Scholarship for Mandarin Studies

Livino K., from the Sumi community in Nagaland, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Huayu (Mandarin) Enrichment Scholarship by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. Hailing from Yemishe, a small village in Zunheboto district, Livino is set to embark on a transformative six-month study trip to Taiwan. Her journey into the world of Mandarin began unexpectedly in 2025 while exploring opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Stumbling upon the online Mandarin programme offered by the Taiwan Education Center at Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU), Livino was intrigued by the centre’s reputation, quality teaching, and the opportunity to sit for standardized proficiency examinations. She...

Kaziranga to host second Chess Carnival on June 7 with ₹1 lakh prize fund

The second edition of the Kaziranga Chess Carnival is set to be held on June 7, 2026 at Resort Borgos, Kohora, near Kaziranga National Park. Organised by Adian Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in association with Assam Chess Club and Aaghun, the one-day rapid chess tournament will feature competitions in Under-10, Under-15 and Open categories. The event is expected to draw over 200 participants, including FIDE-rated players, state champions, junior talents, coaches and representatives from academies across India and neighbouring regions. The tournament will be conducted under the supervision of International Arbiter and former Indian chess coach Biswajit Bharadwaj under a 7-round Swiss...