PESHAWAR: A powerful short film She The Peace-builder premiered at the Peshawar Press Club the other day, drawing an impassioned audience of media representatives, women’s rights activists, and influential community members.

Directed by Zeenat Bibi and produced in collaboration with Search for Common Ground and the Aurat Foundation, the film delivers a compelling message on the indispensable role of women in establishing peace in tribal districts. The film was launched in Peshawar Press Club here on Saturday.

The film’s narrative spotlights the creation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) committees in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), underscoring their effectiveness in resolving local conflicts.

However, it exposes a glaring injustice: women are systematically excluded from these committees and denied the right to present their cases before the jirga (tribal council).

This blatant exclusion impedes the path to sustainable peace and violates women’s fundamental rights.

Through riveting storytelling, She The Peace-builder tackles critical issues such as property rights, divorce, domestic violence, and child custody, which overwhelmingly affect women in these regions.

Director Zeenat Bibi issued a fervent call to action, emphasizing the urgent need to amplify women’s voices and secure their representation in ADR committees. She implored the government to allocate specific seats for women, ensuring their full participation in these committees.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2024