GENDER IN PEACE BUILDING: WOMEN,
CIVIL SOCITY AND THE COMMUNITY
RECONCILIATION AMID MANIPUR
VIOLENCE
A Presentation by
Dr. Oinam Teresa Khumancha
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
Bir Tikendrajit University , Manipur.
INTRODUCTION
• This study is dealing with the “Gender in Peace Building: Women, civil
society an the community Reconciliation aims Manipur Violence”
• We all known the North-eastern Part of India are under-developed in
al form of index end within northeast , Manipur is far behind due to
historical conflict.
• Manipur is one of the state of India that lies in the Northeast region.
• On the north side of Manipur is Nagaland state, on the southwest side
of Manipur is Mizoram and the west side is Assam.
• On the south east side of Manipur is Myanmar country, and on east
side of Manipur is Bangladesh country.
INTRODUCTION
• Imphal is the capital of Manipur.
• Manipur state have 16 districts (Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachanpur,
Imphal East, Imphal west, Jiribam, Kakching, Kamjong, Kangpokpi,
Noney, Pherzawal, Senapati, Tamelong, Tengnoupal, Thoubal and
Ukhrul).
• Manipur is a home to 36 ethnic group.
• The situation of Manipuri community is not well in Manipur state
because of the lack of opportunities and on going conflict.
• Its is directly affected to all the Gender , including men, women
children and elderly people in position of family well as society within.
• Manipur is a patriarchal society , yet both men and women have to
work together for economic development of families.
• Mostly Manipuri people main occupation is agriculture. Rather than
agriculture Manipuri people do traditional occupation like handloom ,
handicraft, pottery, cane and bamboo work, fishing, etc…
• From Histories of Manipur , male population is very less compare to
all the state of India.
• In India , Manipuri women are known to their work and duties.
Women owns about 44 percent of total business in Manipur, which is
abut 2.5 times the national averages (Government data ).
• The queens of Manipur used to operate a women’s court called
“Patcha” (family court) from ancient times, till the British era.
• Women in Manipur are particularly noted for their economic and social-
cultural participation and renowned for their collective empowerment.
• Manipuri Society gives a lot of room for women to make an impact in
society compared to other states. Like, Ema Meira Paibies, Ema
Keithel(Women market) Ema lups, Nupi Lan, etc.
MANIPURI WOMEN’S MOVEMENT
• First Nupi lan/ First women Agitation (1904)
• Second Nupi lan/ second women Agitation(1939)
• Nisha Band
• Meira Paibi
• Manipuri women are a strong force as depicted in two agitations or
uprisings against the British in the colonial era known as “Nupi lan”.
• Team work of Meitei women who fought against the “war on Drug” is
known “Nisha Bandh” (Nisha mean Drug, Bandh mean Boycott).
• Meira Paibis (women torch bearers) is a powerful role involved in civil
society movements for justice and human rights.
Some of the well-known women contributors
from Manipur, both National and
International level
1. Rani Gaidinliu Rongmei
2. Kim Gangte
3. Sobam ongbi Momon Leima
4. Irom Sharmila
5. Binalakshmi Nepram
6. Thounaojam Brinda
7. RK Echanthoi
8. Licy Priya Kangujam
• Latest conflict in Manipur: Manipur state conflict on May 3, 2023 refers to the ethnic
clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities I Manipur.
• Meitei are the origins communities of Manipur.
• Violence erupted in several districts, including Churchanpur, Sanapati, Imphal east,
Imphal west, Jiri, Tamelong etc.
• Clashes between Meitei and Kuki group resulted in loss of lives from both the
communities, injuries, property damages and destruction, lots of homeless and
jobless youth, displacement etc.
• Still today conflict is going on many families are staying in relief camps with no
hopes for future
• Many children lots their parents, home and education right.
• In this situation Women are trying their best level to bring peace in Manipur state, a
will like to say; Gender plays a crucial role in Peace building , particular in conflict –
affected regions like Manipur.
• Women, civil society , and community reconciliation efforts are essential in
addressing violence and promoting peace.
Women Roles in Peacebuliding
in Manipur conflict :
• Peace negotiator and mediators.
• Community mobilizers and organizers
• Advocates for human rights and social justices
• Providers of emotional support and psychological counseling
• Leaders in reconciliation and conflict resolutions initiatives.
Conclude of my talk
• Civil Society organizations, including women groups have
demonstrate their capacity to bridge divides, facilitate dialogue, and
promote social cohesion. Their tiredless efforts have saved countless
lives and fostered a sense of community.
• As we move forward, let us remember; Peace is not absence of
violence, but the presence of justices.
• To the “RAJENDRA UNIVERSITY , BALANGIR.
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE” ; I will
like to said , yours resilience inspires us. Your
leadership empowers us and your voices will
help us to shape the future .
• Lastly Thank you so much, Thank you all.
