Experts Say the Home Environment is Key Resource for Peace
Sociologists, psychologists, teachers and business and community leaders shared their expertise and experience as mothers and parental partners at a forum hosted by Global Peace Women Nepal on International Day of Peace. The forum, “Peace Begins at Home: Uplifting the Innate Value of Women in the Family and in the Society,” examined the unique contribution of men and women in building healthy, stable families that contribute to lasting peace.
Mrs. Usha Pokharel, Chairperson of Enablement Nepal, said peaceful marriages are the foundation for peaceful homes which lead to peaceful societies and a peaceful world. “To make a peaceful environment, both men and women should be united and work together,” Pokharel said. “Parents are the role models to their children. Their actions have a big impact on their children.” Mrs. Pokharel described the unique and complimentary differences between men and women, encouraging husbands and wives to recognize the differences as strengths and work together to building healthy families.
Mrs. Sugarika KC, former Miss Nepal and a social entrepreneur, spoke about her experience as a working mother and the importance of empathy in resolving conflict. She said she is raising her son to recognize the important role that women play within home. She has also brought her family to work to open conversations and come to common understandings. “Through this, they understand my situation and conflicts are avoided,” she said. Mrs. Sugarika encourages women to share their stories as a way to foster empathy, respect other points of view, and quell conflict.
Other speakers included Khabita Cadel, an Associate Professor in Psychology, and Mrs. Kopila Thapa, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Coordinator. The forum was part of Global Peace Nepal’s ongoing efforts to uphold the value of women and their unique role in the family, as well as encourage cooperation between men and women to raise healthy, peaceful families that contribute to global peace.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. In 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.