Women and peace in Deep South

Can women’s power help bring about peace in the Deep South?

This was a  lead question which was the subject of debates at a recent seminar jointly organized by the Women’s Network to Stop Violence in Search of Peace, the National Human Rights Commission and the Women’s Foundation at C.S. Pattani hotel in Pattani province.

Professor Dr Amara Pongsapitch, chair of the National Human Rights Commission, kicked off the panel discussion by asking: “Where the Muslim women’s power has been amidst the violence in the region?”

She said that the violence has affected the feelings of every woman.  “But where have been the Muslim women?  It appears that nobody have bothered to bring them out to search for the answer.  Therefore, it is necessary to instigate women’s power in the region to be the driving force because women are capable of doing a lot of  things if there is a good network and activities awaiting them.”

However, Professor Amara conceded that in order to bring out the women’s power it was necessary for the state to open the space and to given the women opportunities.  “The state which includes the NHRC must educate the women about their rights and duties and human rights, especially the basic rights and human dignity,” she said, adding that the government has been slow in approving the basic rights.

Mrs Marayum Samohm, a religious teacher at an orphanage in Pattani, told the seminar that Islam had attached great importance to women’s role in the family and society as it was clearly stated in the Koran.

“Women can change the world with the power bestowed by God.  So, religious principles must be strictly upheld in all our deeds – that is we must not be selfish and must not commit offences.

Another panelist, Mrs Wandee Thongkliang, chair of the network of victims of violence in Pattani, said that all the people, including the victims, must admit that they have been affected by the violence and must join hands to help one another.

An activist from Bannang Sata district, Mrs Nuryeelun bin Hayi Abubaka, said that families, schools, temples and mosques must  get involved in the search of peace.

“If everyone of us has a good heart, has a heart for public good, understand one’s rights and duties and together with the participation of families, temples and mosques, we can build up peace in our communities,” she said.

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Captions : (left) Mrs Marayum Samohm (right) Professor Dr Amara Pongsapitch