Narratives of Peace: Naga Women in the Self Determination Struggle

Citation:

Vamuzo, Meneno. 2012. “Narratives of Peace: Naga Women in the Self Determination Struggle.” InTensions Journal, no. 6, 1–23.

Author: Meneno Vamuzo

Abstract:

Naga women live in a politically sensitive environment given their people’s prolonged struggle for self-determination. They also face the complexity of a society that is undergoing the binary of change and continuity, with the pull towards modernity, on the one hand, and strong undercurrents of traditional and customary practices on the other. The latter are often geared towards a strong patriarchal system that is often inclined to disfavouring women. Nevertheless, Naga women have managed to engage themselves effectively within their traditional space and have significantly impacted their society. Through a tactful and non-contentious stance, they have continued to influence the dynamics of peacemaking. This article looks at some narratives of contemporary Naga women who are active peacemakers in a geographically and politically divided Nagaland.

Topics: Gender, Women, Gender Roles, Gendered Power Relations, Patriarchy, Peacebuilding, Peacekeeping, Peace Processes Regions: Asia, South Asia Countries: India, Myanmar

Year: 2012