(Original article: Gaurav Das, The Times of India, Dec. 4, 2015)
GUWAHATI: A peace action project involving women from Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and Karbi Anglong district is slowly doing its bit in building confidence among ethnic communities vulnerable to clashes.
The project, initiated by Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSS-NE), in association with Caritas International, hopes to help women and their organizations prevent, manage and mitigate conflict and violence and restore peace among ethnic communities that are at loggerheads with one another.
Till now, the project has helped 6,066 conflict-affected people. In Karbi Anglong alone, 3,674 Rengma Naga and Kuki families were involved in the project. In lower Assam, 2,370 Bodos, Muslims, Rabhas, adivasis and Nepali families and another 40 resettled villagers were involved.
The project creates awareness on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and empowers GBV support groups to help women victims access their rights. Initiated over a year ago, the project will continue for the next two years.
“The project borrows modules from the Germany-based Berghof Foundation, which, together with a network of partners, implements the Peace Counts Tour that combines peace education and reports based on successful peace-builders worldwide,” said Leban Serto of Berghof Foundation.
“The project borrows modules from the Germany-based Berghof Foundation, which, together with a network of partners, implements the Peace Counts Tour that combines peace education and reports based on successful peace-builders worldwide,” said Leban Serto of Berghof Foundation.
“There have been positive results from this peace action project. Many stakeholders’ alliances have been formed and strengthened to prevent, manage and mitigate conflicts. Through this peace action project, there has been an increased recognition of women’s role in preventing violence and advocating peace,” added Serto.
A two-day workshop on the Peace Counts Tour began on Thursday. The objective of the workshop is to train teachers, social workers, academics and netizens in enhancing their skills on dealing with conflict constructively.
