A Durban University of Technology Peace Building student within the Department of Public Management and Economics recently attended an International Women’s Conference on Peace and Nonviolence.

Roya Varjavandi, a Master’s degree student in the Peacebuilding Programme, formed part of the 50 women from 24 countries who were selected to join 100 Indian female activists in India. The conference was hosted by Ekta Parashid, a contemporary Gandhian social movement in India. This was the first time India was part of a women’s peace initiative on this scale.

Ekta Parashid (meaning ‘Unity Forum’) has for nearly three decades used nonviolent action in pressing for land redistribution and forest rights for the poor and landless rural communities of India. Varjavandi was elected on the basis of her action research which focuses on young people in peace building. During the conference, Varjavandi participated in Ekta Parishad’s International Youth Training on Nonviolence.

Sharing her experiences from India, Varjavandi said she was enlightened and convinced that peace and justice in any nation is also dependent on the involvement of women. “This has cemented my belief that a reality built on peace and justice for all nations is completely dependent in the emancipation of women,” she said.

In her presentation during the conference, Varjavandi addressed the necessity of peaceful collaboration across religions, cultures, castes, genders, and generations.

– Noxolo Memela

Pictured: Roya Varjavandi along with some of the delegates and community members.