Jashn-e-Aman 2017

[shreya jani]

Standing Together to Enable Peace (STEP) Trust is organizing its annual peace festival called Jashn-E-Aman, from the 21st of September to the 2nd of October, 2017,  in partnership with UNESCO MGIEP, PeaceWomen Across the Globe (PWAG) and Kriti Foundation. Every year we aim to generate discussion around pertinent issues that affect our city and our lives; this year we are working on the Sustainable Development Goals envisioned by the United Nations, with particular emphasis on Global Citizenship Education, Youth Empowerment, Gender and Sustainable Development Goals (pertaining to equal development for all and environmental sustainability). 

Our programs on Gender during this year's festival are taking place on the 22nd and the 28th of September 2017. The international community has begun to realize that the experiences of men and women in societies and in conflicts are different, and that women offer a vital perspective in the analysis of conflict as well as providing strategies toward peace building that focus on creating ties across opposing factions and increasing the inclusiveness, transparency and sustainability of peace processes. The reality, however, remains that women are denied meaningful participation in many peace processes. STEP Trust, therefore, works with women from communities in conflict areas, recognizing their vital role in re-establishing the social fabric of affected communities in the aftermath of conflict. We aim to create inclusive spaces for authentic dialogue and real women peace builders from various communities as participants. 

On the 22nd of September, we are organizing 'The Personal is Political' program which looks at the nature of social transactions through an exploration of gender identities and inter-personal interactions. The events under this program include a workshop on theatre and movement to understand gender and performance in everyday life, a screening of the film 'Warriors of Light' on the experiences of women peace workers in Manipur, and performance of the play on gendered identities called 'Urban Turban' by the Agaaz Trust.

On the 28th of September, we are organizing our 'Partners in Peace: Kashmir-Delhi Women's Peace Table' program, where women leaders from Kashmir and Delhi will come together to deliberate on UNSC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and explore avenues for upholding peace and justice within and across communities through creative presentations.