ROLE OF WOMEN IN DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND PEACE BUILDING IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF KHWENDO JIRGA (SISTERS’ COUNCIL)

Abstract

This paper examines the status of women role in dispute resolution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Pakhtun culture, disputes are resolved through alternative means to avoid formal court procedures and to keep the secrecy of the matters. The most appropriate method of dispute resolution is Jirga, which is centuries old phenomena of this region. Jirga is conducted locally and the decisions made are binding on the disputant parties through the cultural codes and traditional values. Jirga is composed of male members of the society and women are not allowed to take part in its decision making although majority disputes involve female as a party to the dispute. In majority decision of the Jirga women are taken as the compensation of the dispute to the rival party to resolve the dispute. Taking this problem into consideration, a courageous lady of District Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) established the first ever women Jirga with the name of Khwendo Jirga (Sisters’ Council) in 2013. This study coherently expresses that the patriarchal structure of Pakhtun society and its culture are the mainstream obstacles due to which women role in peacebuilding is nominal. The study aims to identify the factors behind the establishment of that Jirga, analyse impact of that institution on the society in general and on the female folk in particular.  Data was collected through interviews from the female members of the Jirga at District Swat of KP as well as from common citizens of the District and those who are directly influenced by that Jirga. Qualitative study is best suited for this research because research is descriptive and is totally based on respondent’s perception without any numerical data analysis.

Keywords: Women, Jirga, Dispute, Peace-making, Pakhtun Culture