In 2009 we were given a chance to do a research on the effects of conflict on Moro women in Basilan and Sulu. It was difficult for many of us to hear their stories of deaths in the family and the trauma they have experienced. But somehow through their stories we sense their hope for a better Bangsamoro.
The purpose of peace talks is to alleviate the dependency on militarism and bring an end to violence in general, but the absence of women’s voices in the discussions often results in the absence of a focus on women in the solution.
Leaders from three of Pakistan's political parties said they were committed to improving the status of women and other marginalised groups at a WELDD convention on Peace, Pluralism, and Democratic Norms organised by Shirkat Gah.
Peace activists from all across Pakistan came together to launch the Purple Women Movement from September 28-29 2013. The Purple Women Movement, a collective of women peace leaders and activists in various regions of Pakistan gathered in the Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to have a dialogue, and also to put forward their objective of promoting peace in the country.
