New Delhi: The India International Centre in New Delhi became a hub of inspiration on the evening of December 16 as Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace (WISCOMP) – an initiative of the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama – hosted the Saahas Awards ceremony. The special occasion was meant to honour individuals and organisations from across South Asia, who work tirelessly with women to foster peace at the grassroots level in regions plagued by protracted conflict.
This edition was especially significant, coinciding with WISCOMP’s 25th anniversary of promoting South Asian women’s leadership in peace and security. The 10 awardees were chosen by an eminent jury and received a citation, a curated plaque crafted by a presidential awardee Shilp Guru, and a stole, symbolising their extraordinary contributions.
The Saahas Shakti Award celebrated four remarkable women for their courage and perseverance. An Afghan woman, who chose to remain anonymous, was recognised for her advocacy of gender equality and peace-building in Afghanistan. She has been a powerful voice for Afghan women and girls, influencing national and international policy.
Laxmi Chetri is a grassroots peace-builder from Assam. Photo: By arrangement.
Laxmi Chetri, a grassroots peace-builder from Assam, empowers survivors of domestic violence and marginalised women in the Bodoland Territorial Region. Her innovative methods have helped nurture gender-just communities across northeast India.
Another anonymous recipient, a social activist from Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, has tirelessly worked to empower refugee women and girls in camps, addressing gender-based violence and promoting social cohesion through livelihood and peace-building training.
Deepa Pawar, an activist from Maharashtra, India, was also honoured for her work with Nomadic and De-notified Tribes (NT-DNT) through the Anubhuti Trust. Her initiatives focus on education, leadership training and fostering gender justice in marginalized communities.
The Saahas-e-Azim Award highlighted individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to peace-building and gender advocacy. Saeeda Diep, founder of the Centre for Peace and Secular Studies in Pakistan, was recognised for her advocacy for religious minorities, especially Hindus, through cultural harmony and cross-border initiatives.
Ruchira Gupta, a globally renowned journalist and activist from India, was celebrated for her work against sex trafficking and gender-based violence as the founder of Apne Aap Women Worldwide.
Mossarat Qadeem, a peacebuilder and activist from Pakistan, was honoured for her pioneering work with PAIMAN Trust, where she empowers women and radicalised youth in conflict zones to foster resilience and reconciliation.
Patricia Mukhim, Editor of the Shillong Times, at the award ceremony. Photo: By arrangement.
Beena Sarwar, a journalist and peace advocate from Pakistan, was lauded for her efforts to bridge divides between India and Pakistan through initiatives like SAPAN and impactful documentaries addressing human rights and gender justice.
The Saahas Chetna Award was presented to Omar Hafiz from Srinagar, Kashmir. As a peace-builder and social activist, he works to empower marginalised communities, particularly Trans persons and other sexual minorities. Through his organisation, The STEAR, Omar creates safe spaces, challenges stereotypes and promotes youth-led initiatives for gender equality.
The Saahas Mashal Award was conferred on the Conflict Victim Women National Network (CVWNN) from Nepal. This grassroots organisation has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of women affected by the country’s insurgency. By offering psychosocial support, legal aid, and leadership opportunities, CVWNN has played a critical role in fostering transitional justice and documenting the stories of survivors.
Finally, the Saahas Shreshtha Award: Shero of Courage was presented to Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times. Patricia’s fearless journalism and her advocacy for gender equality, communal harmony and marginalised communities in the conflict-ridden northeast were recognised at the ceremony. Through her initiative ‘Shillong We Care,’ she champions the cause of justice and peace.
Beena Sarwar’s acceptance speech at the ceremony. Photo: By arrangement
The evening unfolded with evocative images, poetry and prose, narrating the awardees’ poignant stories. Distinguished guests such as Ambassador Marisa Gerards of the Netherlands, Ambassador Philipp Ackermann of Germany, Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India, and Dr. Syeda Hameed, former member of the Planning Commission of India, felicitated the honourees alongside civil society leaders and academics.
WISCOMP director Meenakshi Gopinath said, “WISCOMP, through this effort, is bringing powerful voices that seek to build and nurture cultures of peace in South Asia and who have worked ceaselessly to transcend narrow borders and boundaries. In highlighting the experiences of those on the margins impacted by conflict and violence, this is a powerful message to keep hope alive through the work of these fearless, intrepid advocates – the Saahasis (the courageous).”
