Women at the Margins: Exploring Their Role in Peacebuilding Processes

Women have historically been powerful harbingers of peace, embodying resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. Globally, they play a critical role in preventing conflict, building peace, and facilitating recovery during crises, often risking their own safety to foster stability. Despite these significant contributions, women remain marginalized in formal peace processes. In Kashmir, they are typically portrayed as victims or combatants, while their voices are largely absent from negotiations and decision-making.

This paper examines the reasons behind women's exclusion from the peace process in Kashmir, focusing on the social, political, and cultural factors that contribute to their marginalization. By exploring these dynamics, the study seeks to understand the implications for peacebuilding in the region. It highlights the need to recognize women not only as victims but also as active agents capable of contributing meaningfully to peace efforts.

Through historical and contemporary examples, the research emphasizes how women's experiences and insights can enrich peace processes. Ultimately, this paper argues for the necessity of integrating women into peacebuilding efforts, asserting that their inclusion is vital for creating inclusive societies and achieving sustainable peace. Recognizing women as pivotal actors in peace processes is essential for transforming conflict resolution, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of peace that encompasses the voices of all members of society.