Uplifting Syrian Women

Menu

Peacebuilding

Culture of non-violence

Culture of Non-violence

Peacebuilding /
Culture of non-violence

Culture of non-violence

The culture of non-violence is a source of hope. Not only because it combats physical aggression, but also promotes compassion, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution. This manifests through individuals who appreciate the importance of mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.”¹

What Is The Culture of Non-Violence?

Gandhi believed that the culture of non-violence is the greatest power in human hands. Even more powerful than the weapons of destruction that their minds created. It is a method that rejects the use of violence to achieve social or political change.

This enables people to go through their struggle for freedom without resorting to violence. Adopting a culture of non-violence is not only a way to avoid conflicts but also to act effectively, especially in politics.  It can be considered a culture that distinguishes humans from other creatures. As it requires rationality and rejects resorting to violence in solving problems.

As we live in an unstable time, with weapons of mass destruction and nuclear powers, humanity is at risk of extinction. Therefore, the culture of non-violence is key to resolving problems and conflicts peacefully. It is a means to achieve a state of coexistence and understanding of others.

Every year, October 2nd marks the International Day of Non-Violence. Which coincides with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the founder of the culture of non-violence.²

The Advantages of A Culture of Non-Violence

  • The method used to resolve conflicts that reject the use of physical force or aggression. Thus reducing wars and conflicts.
  • It promotes social justice and equality, understanding, and cooperation among individuals and communities.
  • It aims to address injustice, promote social acceptance, and build sustainable peace through peaceful means.
  • Resorting to the rationality that distinguishes humans from others characterizes it, as it minimizes human, material, and natural losses.
  • It does not cause harm, unlike violence, whose effects extend to harm many innocents.
  • Movements and organizations worldwide have adopted it as a method in campaigns aimed at achieving social justice, describing it as the policy of ordinary people.²

The Importance of Adopting A Culture of Non-Violence

We cannot overlook the necessity of adopting a culture of non-violence. In order to preserve humanity, our planet, and every living individual.

Its necessity lies in the fact that it protects against the severe harm caused by violence to its victims. The effects of violence are numerous. For example, it leads to an increase in suicide cases. And the accompanying psychological damage to survivors, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders. They are also prone to suffering from various chronic physical illnesses such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and others.

How Is Violence Treated?

  1. Enacting laws and imposing penalties against all kinds of violence. This includes providing job opportunities for women within a suitable and safe environment. Which will reduce the economic violence they are subject to and make them financially independent.
  2. Protecting children from the domestic violence they might be exposed to. And encouraging them to seek help if they are exposed to any form of it. This will definitely reduce the violence against children.
  3. Normalizing resorting to psychologists, especially for teenagers who display violent behavior or bully their peers.
  4. Supporting victims and survivors of violence, and providing them with appropriate treatments.³

What Are The Means of Non-Violence?

There are many means that help establish a culture of non-violence. For example: adopting practices of dialogue and mutual understanding with different parties. Peaceful demonstrations such as boycotts, festivals, civil disobedience, and strikes are also non-violent methods.

Many other types of non-violent demonstrations can be adopted. Whether in the cultural and artistic, or political and economic sense. They have a profound impact on society.⁴

As individuals, we can introduce the culture of non-violence into our daily lives. As a means of resolving our disagreements and problems. By controlling our reactions when insulted, or ignoring those who provoke us. In addition, staying away from quarrels by all means. We can also choose to engage in a dialogue with others to solve the problems we face.

Ultimately, a culture of non-violence is about recognizing our shared humanity. In addition to working together to create a more peaceful and equitable world for all.

By adopting non-violence in our daily lives and communities, we can help build a better future for ourselves and the next generations.

Also read:

References:

  1. UNESCO
  2. UN
  3. Almrsal
  4. Zawaya

Culture of Non-violence Read More »

What is Sustainability?

What is Sustainability?

Peacebuilding /
What is sustainability?

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability, in its simplified definition, means maintaining good usage of environmental and humanitarian resources. Without compromising the ability of future generations or communities to achieve their goals while providing the best results.

Sustainable development framework ” The three E’s” aims to increase the well-being of communities and raise awareness about the changes that affect our planet. Because of the irresponsible use of resources. And emphasizes the need to create awareness about the damages humans will face in the future if sustainability is not approached responsibly.

All in all, it contributes to achieving peace and stability for humans. 

What is sustainability?

The word sustainability originated from “permanence”, i.e. keeping something permanent and balanced. As it remains available and accessible with the succession of generations, they don’t have problems looking for it. This term has created many challenges and a sense of responsibility towards future generations.

The conservation of existing resources is not only the responsibility of governments but also an individual responsibility. In which everyone should participate. Scientists are still studying and have not yet guaranteed life on another planet. It is everyone’s duty to contribute and join hands in finding alternatives and solutions. So that available resources on our planet today will be available for later.

With that, we can achieve the best results, whether the resources are humanitarian, environmental, or economic. Everyone can participate in the sustainability process. Family is the cornerstone of sustainable development, doing simple steps that each member of the family does.

Sharing makes large consumption of resources less burdensome. It becomes more than just actions carried out by individuals to turn into a lifestyle they follow from a young age.

When did the term sustainability appear and what is its framework?

The term sustainability first appeared in the 1980s. In 1987, the Bretton Land Committee defined “sustainability” as: “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”¹ Based on that, the United Nations has raised the banner of sustainability.

It also saw it as a real necessity, especially for developing countries. There are 140 countries still looking for ways of development. But it’s associated with the risk of environmental damage and climate change. Which in turn threatens future generations.

The United Nations worked to develop the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are considered the solutions for reaching comprehensive sustainability in all aspects. It has become the main focus for researchers and scientists and is being applied by many countries. Initially, the term sustainability was essentially an environmental term. It meant the conservation of the planet’s resources. But later it was divided into three main interlinked axes:

 

Economic axis: means the economic ability to support a specific level of economic production. In addition to ensuring that economic systems support sustainable, social, and environmental outcomes. It also constitutes the principle and basis of the sustainable development process. This is due to the fact that it provides various tools of modern technology to reach sustainable development goals.²

Environmental axis: preserving environmental resources, in addition to minimizing the negative impact on them so that we ensure their continuity. We must protect forests, freshwater, and animals as they are considered essential parts of our environment. Therefore, it calls for reducing pollution and supporting biodiversity because of its role in ecological balance.³

Social axis: Supports the ability of communities to create a good and viable environment. As well as eradicate poverty and hunger. It is about creating a comfortable working atmosphere within companies, searching for the pros and cons in the company to contribute to improving overall productivity.⁴

How can we protect our planet?

Sustainability, primarily environmental, has become of great importance. That’s because of the fateful challenges our planet is facing, for example: climate change, loss of biodiversity, and loss of existing wealth. We need to act more wisely and remain aware of these changes. Thus, researchers and organizations such as the United Nations have taken decisions to combat it.

People held conferences. They demonstrated many steps that can reduce negative impacts on the environment. Some of these steps include:

  • Reliance on renewable energy: Instead of using fossil fuels, renewable energy has been used in many countries around the world. Wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources can reduce emissions, thus contributing to a clean and sustainable future.
  • Waste reduction and recycling: Thoughtful waste disposal helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Since they need more energy to get rid of and increase the percentage of pollution.
  • Use environment-friendly transportation: Everyone can use a bicycle or walk. In addition to using electric cars, which have been heavily relied on in the recent period. Some developed countries have offered great facilities to the users of electric vehicles. For example: free parking and providing a network of charging stations with fast-charging technologies.

How does sustainability make peace?

Peace has been a global demand and goal that humans have endeavored ever since. Conflicts and wars continue to prevent it from happening, they also spread racial, sectarian, and other types of discrimination. It has become necessary to strengthen trust among people of the same country. So violence and racism are renounced, and bonds of love and cooperation are strengthened for the interest of all.

The peace-building process encompasses multiple activities at many levels, it requires interaction between leaders and society. Therefore, Peace-building is a sustainable and dynamic process at many levels. Hence, the United Nations has set the idea of peace as one of its main objectives.

It dedicated SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) to reach sustainable peace. Called for the need to end wars and conflicts around the world. In addition to focusing on building the institutions on which those States are based and in accordance with a just system.⁵

In the end, achieving sustainability is a general idea that has a lot of goals. It requires the solidarity of individuals and countries according to global systems and well-thought-out plans. Its main goal is to protect the planet from dangers, the results of which will be visible to future generations.

Also read:

References:

  1. UN
  2. Research Gate
  3. Sustainability Excellence
  4. HBR
  5. UNODC

What is Sustainability? Read More »

Coexistence

Coexistence: Concept and Importance

Peacebuilding /
Coexistence

Coexistence: Concept and Importance

The concept of coexistence has evolved along with humanity throughout the ages. Humans went from hiding in caves and isolating themselves to maintain security; to common life in groups. Intellectual similarity and adherence to specific customs and traditions including dress characterized these groups. Therefore, different human societies emerged, and diverse intellectual perspectives were shaped by the experience of each group.

Certainly, a human being living in the forests will not be like a human being living in the icy mountains. Nor will their lifestyles, dress, food, and communication traditions.

There were often clashes between human societies when they met and one tried to take control of the other. Until the concept of humanity evolved, and the concept of coexistence between human societies emerged.

Thus, Human societies that differ religiously, doctrinally, ethnically, and politically never took coexistence as an intellectual luxury. Rather, it has always been and will remain a fundamental pillar in building understanding. Also a dialogue between human societies despite their differences, for the advancement and preservation of humanity.

In this article, we will answer the following questions: What is the concept of coexistence? What is its importance? What are its types and forms? How did civil wars prove that coexistence is the way to survive?

The Concept of Coexistence 

Every human being or human group has characteristics and qualities that make it unique and different from its society. Which creates diversity among individuals within their societies and also among societies themselves. This is a natural and healthy condition; it is unnatural for human components to be uniform in one way of thinking or belonging. 

To make these differences positive, we had to manage them through the concept of coexistence.

The concept can be defined linguistically as: “Living in love and harmony, or coexistence of people if they are present in the same place and time.” Coexistence is also a society with multiple sects living in peace and harmony despite differences in religions, races, or languages. Peaceful coexistence means an environment in which understanding prevails among different groups of society. This is done without resorting to the use of force.¹

Coexistence is derived from the word (interaction) which indicates the existence of an interrelationship between the coexisting parties.¹

The concept can be defined technically as: “The gathering of a group of people in one place, where they are connected by means of subsistence such as food, drink, and the essentials of life. Regardless of religion or other affiliations, they know their rights and duties without integration or complete fusion.”¹ 

Therefore, coexistence requires every human being to respect the differences of others (individuals and groups). Even if they contradict his principles and ideas directly.

The Importance of Coexistence

The concept is essential in building societies that are characterized by ethnic, religious, sectarian, economic, and political diversity. As it has many benefits in establishing the pillars of stability and security. In addition to enhancing common interests among the components.

There is no majority that oppresses a minority. But rather a coexistence that involves all kinds of cooperation and mutual respect, on the principle of “no winner and no loser in the homeland”. That is considered the property of all. Different individuals strive to uphold the common interest and consolidate the foundations of their social security by living together to ensure a better future.

Coexistence also enriches societies with new types of thought as a result of the blending of cultures. Which develops humanity and produces new societies.

The Types

There are many types of coexistence that can be classified as follows: 

First: Religious coexistence; its manifestations are: 

  • Practicing religious rituals openly and freely without fear anywhere.
  • Respecting the different beliefs and their people.
  • Having freedom of religion and choice of religion, sect, or doctrine. 
  • Ensuring equality among all residents regardless of their religious affiliation.

Second: Ethnic (social) coexistence; its manifestations are: 

  • Protecting minorities and integrating them into all public functions and institutions.
  • Equality of treatment and application of the law to all members of society.
  • The adoption of the largest possible number of languages ​​used in society in official transactions in the state, and in the educational curriculum. 

Third: Cultural coexistence; its manifestations are: 

  • Integrating cultural diversity into educational curricula.
  • Developing Intercultural competencies that lead to constructive dialogue.
  • Enhancing the informal role of diverse intellectual cultural centers.
  • Expanding the translation movement that broadens the world’s understanding.
  • Freedom of expression of opinion and thought.³

The Forms

As for the forms of coexistence, we should mention the following: 

  1. First: “Temporary coexistence”:
    In such cases as displacement and asylum, a person is temporarily forced to coexist with a specific group that differs from them in thought and belief.
  2. Second: “Forced coexistence”:
    In such situations, a person is obliged to endure until they are accepted into the new group they wish to belong to. And this process requires a great effort.
  3. Third: “Citizenship coexistence”:
    Every citizen of any state must be fully committed to dealing well with others and accepting their differences.
  4. Fourth: “Preferred coexistence”:
    It is by the choice and free will of the person. Based on his desire to belong to a group that he agrees with or finds some benefit in being with.

How did civil wars prove that coexistence is the way to survive? 

Civil wars usually occur as a result of external and internal factors. Which play a destructive and inciting role in pitting a country’s population groups against each other. 

The culture of coexistence between human components in that country is absent. Sectarian and doctrinal strife and non-acceptance of the other prevail over understanding and peaceful coexistence. The result is catastrophic for all because it destroys a whole generation. And reinforces the concept of violence and imposing control instead of dialogue to build society. 

Ancient and modern history witnessed painful examples of civil wars. Such as the civil war in “Rwanda”. They were able to emerge by prevailing in the concept of coexistence between the warring ethnic groups in the post-war phase. 

Rwanda does not have giant oilfields, nor huge mines for precious metals. However, it suffered a tribal conflict, which killed tens of thousands of people, and generated hostility among the people.

Nevertheless, over the last 20 years, the small country has been able to achieve great economic achievements. It was built on the basis of a governmental vision to overcome the Civil War spillover, create a climate of coexistence, and achieve development and prosperity for the people.² 

 

Finally, for a successful family, dialogue and understanding must be the foundation of dealing with its members. For sure there are differences within the same family; between the spouses and the children, but respect for difference strengthens the family as a whole and works to build the personalities of its members. It also helps each of them to express their unique personality and develop it and support their family. What if a society is based on this equation? We have to start with the first brick in society in order to develop and advance the concept of coexistence.

Also read:

References:

  1. Bunean
  2. Alaraby
  3. Bunean

Coexistence: Concept and Importance Read More »

International Day of Peace

International Day of Peace

International Celebration, Peacebuilding /
International Day of Peace

International Day of Peace

Will the “International Day of Peace” turn into a way of life that we live, and this would turn into a “utopia”?

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
– Jimi Hendrix. [1]

Have you heard of the human dream of a “utopia”? Utopia is the “Perfect State” where there is no war, conflict, or racism.
All you can see is love, cooperation, and brotherhood. Utopia was and remains the dream of all fighters, and those who call for building a world of peace. In fact, it is the dream of every human being, humanity has found its way to his soul.

What is the International Day of Peace?

It started in 1981 with the aim of “celebrating and strengthening the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples.” Two decades later, the General Assembly designated September 21 as the date to celebrate the occasion annually as “the Day of cease-fire and non-violence through Education, Public Awareness and cooperation to achieve a cease-fire worldwide” [2]

As a result of the development of societies, their problems have developed. The term “peace” no longer represents the antithesis of war only, and calls for peace are no longer based entirely on laying down arms and stopping the war. The term peace has been accompanied by a state of lack of tension, racism, and persecution, a state in which justice prevails between races, religions, and genders. We, as human beings and as a whole, stay away from violence, killing, and discrimination.

So the theme for 2022 is “End Racism, Build Peace.” [2]

The more the concept of peace expands and its pillars increase, the more people feel that it is a myth told to children so that hope remains within them, and they will never be able to obtain it. But in return, the rush towards it and the effort to achieve it has increased, to dedicate it to the next generation in order to preserve it. In fact, the task of peace is difficult task, but it is not impossible.

What are the objectives of the International Day of Peace?

As its title tells us, the International Day of Peace aimed at calling on all warring parties to lay down their weapons, by observing 24 hours of non-violence and working for harmony. [3] For this reason and to emphasize the importance of conflict resolution and reduction, we published some conflict resolution techniques in a post in the first week of the campaign.

Although the issues of peace, its goals, and requirements have multiplied, the culture of peace has remained the culture of dialogue and prevention, as the peace we seek is to keep away from hate speech, racism, and persecution. These are cultures that will not be overcome without awareness. There is an urgent need to reject models planted in our subconscious, depend on the conscious mind and logic and work towards accepting others for who they are, and respect their freedom and customs.

It is not an easy task to reject the implanted ideas that have accompanied societies for hundreds of years and begin to create new ones, but this is what we must do to create and nurture a culture of peace.

Therefore, the International Day of Peace aims to spread love and address the root causes of problems, support education – the only way to inculcate the right way of thinking – promote freedom of expression, foster intercultural dialogue, respect human rights and cultural diversity and promote scientific cooperation. [4]

Just as one of the endeavors of the International Day of Peace is to support education; the right education helps to spread peace. Therefore, we launched a workshop on programs concerned with peace as well as an article on the role of education in building peace. We believe that integrating peace with educational methods and curricula will make a positive global difference if applied in the right way.

Women’s and Day of Peace

A woman, this beautiful, gentle creature, who throughout history has been a symbol of love, tenderness, and kindness, needs love and stability to thrive. For this reason and because we are fully confident in the importance of women in spreading peace, we have dedicated an article that talks about the role of Syrian women in building peace.

Since time immemorial, women have been striving for peace and walking towards it through all the calls that the woman made and sometimes expressed with their tears for the purpose of peace. The justice we demand is to reject oppression and discrimination between men and women, our right to a decent life without family or societal violence, and the women to be treated as human beings without fearing harassment, rape, and trafficking.

Women have never demanded more than their right to live in a society in peace, to walk on the roads without fear, and to work in a place that respects them and protects their rights.

Gender-based violence is one of the forms of violence that the International Day of Peace seeks to eradicate. No doubt that the International Day of Peace is a reminder of the war of all humanity against violence and hatred, because the war for peace is a set of battles on many fronts, and it is a war that continues and will not stop until we achieve the utopia that we dream of.

Peace and development

It is not surprising when we say that a secure society is one that is ready to thrive because peace gives people the opportunity to think about something else. Instead of looking for protection and stability. We conducted a discussion session focusing on the relationship between peace and development and their interrelationship in several aspects.

We can also see throughout history the impact of peace and stability on societies. The peoples, who began to write the history of civilization, are the ones that managed to settle next to the rivers, secured a source of livelihood close to their homes, and left the nomadic life

The only goal of human beings is to walk towards the future. You will not achieve your desire while you are fighting for your life or in order to achieve respect for your life, your gender, your choices, to have your voice heard, and to be seen only as a human being and not like anything else.

“Choose Peace” Campaign

Through the Uplifting Syrian Women initiative, we presented the peace campaign, under the title Choose Peace, and our message through that campaign was “To reach peace, teach peace”, as we believe that spreading a culture of peace begins with each one of us. Everyone who lives in peace will automatically invite and inspire those around them to live in peace.

We started our campaign on the 1st of September. Our goals were clear through them, and we hope that if we do not achieve them, we will push our convoy one step further in order to achieve them. It was divided into three weeks, each week with a specific axis:

We hope that the “Choose Peace” campaign helped you start your own journey of spreading peace. This campaign is not the first and it will not be the last. We will not stop until we build and spread peace in Syria and in the whole world. So let’s walk together on the road, let’s try to spread love, joy, and peace together. Let us try to deter violence and eradicate injustice, poverty, and hate.

The security and peace of the world belong to us. Violating the rights of women and children in another country is a violation of our rights. Famine and humanitarian crises are devastating for all. How long will we pretend that these issues do not affect us directly?

Let’s join hands and get started now. Leave greed, indecision, and fear, and let us now begin the task of spreading peace and all that is beautiful and full of good to all mankind.

The Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative is a safe space that preserves the right to freedom of expression and treats with respect. We hope to be a station on humanity’s path toward peace, to broadcast to you the screams and tears of the women who preceded us in this cause, and that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

🌿 Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] 7ekam

[2] UN

[3] UN

[4] Unesco

International Day of Peace Read More »

The Role of Syrian Women in Peacebuilding

The Role of Syrian Women in Peacebuilding

Peacebuilding, Social and Humanitarian Issues /
The Role of Syrian Women in Peacebuilding

The Role of Syrian Women in Peacebuilding

“Syrian women are always told by their comrades that gender equity comes second after human rights and stopping of war; but without gender equity, there will be neither peace nor human rights.”
– Zaina Erhaim; Journalist, feminist, and communications consultant/trainer. [1]

The Importance of Women in the Peacemaking Process

Involving women in the peacemaking process is an absolute necessity, as they constitute over half of society in terms of numbers and the impact of their role in all fields. They have proven their role as breadwinners of their families, humanitarian primary responders, leaders, and peacebuilders. [1]

Therefore, Building the influence of women as peace actors and decision-makers is critical in working for a just future for Syria. Equality does not achieve justice for women only, but for society as a whole. The role of women in building and making peace should not be only formal, but diplomatic and in the field, specifically with peacekeepers. Gender equality is one of the means that can stop violence in societies and impose peace among people. Achieving equity is one of the Sustainable Development Goals for a better future for humanity. [3]

A quantitative analysis examining 156 peace agreements found that the participation of local women in peace negotiations increased the probability of cessation of violence within one year by 24.9 percent. 

In the last two decades, we began to see an acceleration in the pace of the feminist movements in the Middle East, including at the Syrian level and the Syrian feminist political movement. [4]

Crises That Formed the Role of Women in Peacemaking

  • The Syrian war: 

As a result of the Syrian war, Syrian women have been affected by the conflict. Of those who need humanitarian aid, half are women and girls. Syrian women have higher rates of poverty than men, they face an increased risk of gender-based violence, and they shoulder the responsibility of caring for their children and other family members. During the Syrian war, women became the main breadwinners of their families. This is partially due to a large number of casualties among men during the war. It is noteworthy in this regard that women are responsible for about a third of families in Syria, and for about 40 to 50 percent of families in countries of asylum. These women strive to cover the basic costs of their families, and they bear enormous responsibilities.

In addition to the effects of war on women, such as gender-based violence, arrests and killings, targeting of civil activists and human rights defenders, asylum, displacement, and forced displacement. [2] [3]

  • Covid-19 Pandemic:

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a spike in violence against women in the midst of lockdowns and quarantine measures. It is reported that women constitute 70% of the workforce in the health sector, which makes them more vulnerable to infection and disease. [2]

Women and Peace Conferences, Between Recommendations and Actual Participation

All these difficulties did not prevent many women from playing their political and diplomatic roles, as well as in building peace and achieving justice. Rather, they proved their presence in the field, and in countries of expatriation and asylum. [3]

In addition to these challenges, Syrian women have advocated for their inclusion in the UN-led peace process. In 2000, the United Nations ratified Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, and recommended that women comprise at least 30 percent of participants in peace talks in 2002.

The world organization released the Geneva I Communique which states, “Women must be fully present in all aspects of the transition.”

Amendments have also been made to the Law of Personal Status, increased participation in training and skills development activities, and an increase in women’s entrepreneurship in the country since the beginning of the conflict. However, the direct participation of women in high-level peace negotiations and the rate of women’s participation in political decision-making at the national and local levels remains disappointingly low.

On average, women constituted only 13 percent of negotiators, 6 percent of mediators, and 6 percent of signatories in major peace processes worldwide between 1992 and 2019. [4]

While during the August 2020 meeting of the Constitutional Committee, the United Nations-facilitated constituent assembly to adopt a new Constitution of Syria as part of the peace process, the lack of gender parity was clear. Only thirteen of the forty-five-member drafting committee were women. [4]

In view of the above, we find that the inclusion of Syrian women in the peace process and decision-making has made remarkable progress, but it is slow and unsatisfactory.

It requires greater moves by local and international institutions on the one hand, and demands by women’s parties on the other hand, in order to reach the reality that women’s participation in peacemaking is taken for granted in all conferences.

In our initiative, we seek to empower and support women and bridge the gender gap. Considering that women are peaceful in nature and constitute an essential part of achieving many human endeavors at all levels, we believe that encouraging and motivating women to participate actively in achieving peace is the duty of individuals, groups, and governments together.

Also read: Role of Education in Peacebuilding.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] UN Women News

[2] UN Women Articles

[3] The Syrian Women PM

[4] Carnegie

The Role of Syrian Women in Peacebuilding Read More »

Role of Education in Peacebuilding

Role of Education in Peacebuilding

Peacebuilding /
Role of Education in Peacebuilding

Role of education in Peacebuilding

In 2022, peacebuilding remains one of the person’s demands and seeks to achieve. Owing to the fact that building societies begin with building people, all countries have concluded the necessity of establishing peace through education in order to reach a reality where peace is an inevitable matter. What is the concept of peace we are talking about? Can it really be taught and learned?

What does peace mean?

Peace is the state of security, stability, and harmony among all individuals in the absence of all forms of unrest, wars, and violence. The purity of this term has prompted all societies to seek peace in their regions and with other regions, in comparison to the urgent and valuable benefit that is reflected on the human being in all aspects. [1]

What made us in need of peacebuilding?

The events that took place in the world and claimed the lives of millions of people were the direct causes of humanity’s need for peace. “To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” are among the first very words of the UN Charter (in its Preamble).

Those words were the main motivation for creating the United Nations after the two World Wars and the resulting devastation.

The consensus was to establish the United Nations on 24 October 1945 (the date of its Charter’s entry into force), help restore peace following the outbreak of armed conflict, and promote lasting peace in societies emerging from wars. [5]

Obstacles to peacebuilding

While peace is highlighted and needed, the process of pursuing it is hampered by obstacles to its achievement in the current world, the most important of which are:

  • Rivalry among the poles of the world; in the United Nations Security Council which was established for the purpose of achieving international peace, the interest of the major Powers has overcome the Council’s fundamental endeavor by granting them the veto power to advance their interests over the interests of international security and stability.
  • Religious and ethnic intolerance, which has resulted in many conflicts and violence, has left hatred among these parties entrenching terrorism and extremism.
  • The greed of the major powers and their attempt to control the natural and economic resources of developing countries.
  • The imbalance of the global economic system; the existence of very poor and rich societies, and this has produced – in most societies – a state of complaint and grudge. [2]

Community peace

Community or social peace is the most important and fundamental factor in achieving stability and security for all societies by bringing justice and ensuring the rights of all individuals. In addition to creating cooperation and partnership among individuals and raising their citizenship values. This ensures the achievement of development, progress, growth, and prosperity in different sectors and the development of social institutions because all efforts are in the service of the nation and society.

In the case of disputes and wars, societies are divided into several parties that are preoccupied with revenge and retaliation against each other, and private interests are supreme and dominate over socialism and the public interest. In these turbulent situations, it is impossible to preserve even the minimum existing civilization which leads to the total collapse of society’s entity. [3]

Teaching a culture of community peace

One of the most striking things is the need for education and training on a culture of social peace in the personality of each individual, which has become inevitable so that the results begin to be verified. This generates a great responsibility on the institutions of society to consolidate and empower this culture, starting from the psychological inner peace of each individual to the general societal peace and environmental peace with a focus on sustainable development.

Peace education is the process of providing individuals with values ​​and knowledge and developing their attitudes, skills, and behaviors to live affectionately and calmly with themselves, others, and the natural environment. [3]

What is the role of education in peacebuilding?

Education is the most important means of getting rid of ignorance and hatred, through which the culture and civilization of other peoples, their customs and traditions, are introduced. Through this knowledge, people learn to respect each other and appreciate the cultural and religious differences among them, which allows wide scope for rapprochement and settlement of differences away from the culture of violence and war.

Spreading the culture of peace and tolerance in societies has become the most important endeavor that is transmitted to all members of society and to generations through education. By combating all factors of fear of others and developing the ability of generations and pushing them to the independence of opinion and critical and ethical thinking.

Educational policies and programs prepared by governments and organizations contribute to promoting solidarity and tolerance among individuals and combating violence and extremism, by teaching human values ​​to achieve peace, integration, mutuality, social solidarity, knowledge of human rights, and human dignity through continuous development and improvement of curricula. Most importantly, linking education with life skills. [4]

The Role of Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative in Building Peace through Education

Uplifting Syrian Women is an initiative that seeks to achieve and build peace in the Syrian society in particular and the global communities in general through education and its voluntary, free-of-charge educational courses, interactive workshops, and discussion sessions to activate freedom of discussion and participation, with the aim of achieving the goals of gender equality, quality education and improving the economic situation. Which is in the interest of the peace of society in general and serves the purpose of rebuilding it.

Also read: Cyberbullying and Harassment- In Disguise Crime.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] Mawdoo3- Peace

[2] Mawdoo3- Community Peace

[3] Mimir

[4] Ishtar

[5] UN

Role of Education in Peacebuilding Read More »