New Delhi. : The Centre for Jawaharlal Nehru Studies (CJNS), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) , successfully organized a webinar on “Women, Conflict, and Peace Building” on March 7, 2025, in observance of International Women’s Day. The webinar was chaired by Prof. Bharti Sharma, Honorary Director of the Centre for Jawaharlal Nehru Studies, JMI. The keynote speaker for the session was Prof. Kaushikee from the Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace & Conflict Resolution, JMI. The webinar was convened by Dr. Etee Bahadur, Assistant Professor, CJNS, JMI. The session commenced with a welcome address by Mamtha G. and opening remarks by Neelima Chadha, research scholars at CJNS.

Prof. Kaushikee began her lecture by discussing the various forms of violence, women experience even before conflicts arise, i.e., during peacetime.

In the next segment, she examined the interconnection between women, conflict, and violence, which she categorized into three key sub-sections:

• Man-Woman Relations as a Causal Factor in Conflict – Prof. Kaushikee highlighted feminist scholars' perspectives on the myth of men as protectors and women as innate peacemakers, thereby challenging traditional gender narratives.

• Impact of Violent Conflict on Women – She emphasized that the consequences of violent conflicts on women can be both positive and negative. Women often assume multiple roles, including survivors, combatants, and peacebuilders.

• Women and Peace-Building – This section delved into women's roles as peacemakers, peacekeepers, and peacebuilders. She also explored the debate between essentialist and social constructionist perspectives, citing international treaties like the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325), which formally recognize women’s contributions to peacebuilding and their affinity with peace.

Following the lecture, Prof. Bharti Sharma expressed her gratitude and reflected on the conceptualization of the topic. She appreciated how the discussion debunked myths and led to a nuanced understanding of reality. She also commended the clarity and conciseness of the lecture before opening the floor for a question-and-answer session.

The session witnessed active participation from the faculty members, and research scholars from different centres and departments. The webinar concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Soumya Tripathi, Research Scholar, CJNS.

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