KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Dec 16: Kashmiri peacebuilder Omar Hafiz was honoured with Prestigious WISCOMP Saahas Award for his exceptional contributions to fostering dialogue and reconciliation in conflict-affected Jammu and Kashmir, at a mesmerizing event at the India International Centre, New Delhi today.
Hafiz, founder of The STEARS, has dedicated his work to healing decades-old wounds in Kashmir through grassroots peace education, trauma recovery programs, and initiatives supporting survivors of violence. Recognized with the Saahas Chetna Award, Hafiz’s efforts have brought marginalized voices, including transgender individuals, into the dialogue for peace and justice.
Celebrating Resilience and Gender Justice
The WISCOMP Saahas Awards, initiated in 2016, honor individuals and organizations championing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325’s pillars of Participation, Protection, Prevention, and Relief and Recovery. The 2024 edition celebrates the work of changemakers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and India, amplifying their efforts to combat gender-based violence, rebuild lives in post-conflict settings, and promote education for peace.
This year’s awards hold special significance as WISCOMP commemorates 25 years of advancing women’s leadership in peace and security across South Asia. Hafiz’s recognition adds a vital Kashmiri voice to this narrative of resilience and advocacy.
Among the awardees are:
Patricia Mukhim, editor of The Shillong Times, honored with the Saahas Shreshtha: Shero of Courage Award for her unwavering commitment to promoting communal harmony in India’s North East.
Deepa Pawar from Maharashtra, India, founder of the Anubhuti Trust, working for marginalized communities. An anonymous Afghan woman advocating for gender equality and peacebuilding in her war-torn country.
Laxmi Chetri from Assam, India, empowering survivors of domestic violence in the Bodoland Territorial Region. Ruchira Gupta, a journalist and activist combating human trafficking.
The awards also highlighted the work of organizations like Nepal’s Conflict Victim Women National Network (CVWNN) and Pakistan’s Saeeda Diep, who advocates for religious minorities’ rights.
A Rigorous Selection Process
Out of more than 50 applications received from across South Asia, the winners were selected by a distinguished jury, which included:
Justice Gita Mittal, former Chief Justice of J&K High Court, Ambassador Shyam Saran, former Indian Foreign Secretary and Susan Ferguson, UN Women’s Country Representative in India.
The process emphasized inclusivity, focusing on individuals and organizations addressing issues like trauma healing, gender-based violence, and rehabilitation in conflict zones.
The STEARS: Fostering Dialogue and Reconciliation in Kashmir
Omar Hafiz’s organization, The STEARS, has become a beacon of hope for communities torn apart by decades of unrest. Through participatory methods, Hafiz has engaged women and youth in mental health interventions, communal dialogue, and trauma recovery initiatives. His work exemplifies the spirit of the Saahas Awards—creating change through resilience and dialogue.
“This recognition is not just for me but for every Kashmiri who believes in peace despite the odds,” Hafiz remarked, expressing gratitude for the acknowledgment of his work on a South Asian platform.
A Platform for Unsung Heroes
The Saahas Awards have evolved into a unique space for amplifying the voices of unsung heroes working in some of the most challenging contexts in South Asia. This year’s event highlights their resilience and brings attention to critical issues like education for peace, prevention of violent extremism, and gender justice.
By honoring changemakers like Hafiz, WISCOMP reinforces its mission of fostering peace, non-violence, and gender equality in the region. As Kashmir’s representative in this prestigious cohort, Hafiz’s achievement inspires others to take on the mantle of reconciliation and justice.
This story not only captures the significance of the awards but also highlights the remarkable contributions of Omar Hafiz and other changemakers across South Asia.
