January 10, 2025 - Albukhary International University, with the ASEAN Women Peace Registry (AWPR) Malaysia and Universiti Malaya Centre for Civilisational Dialogue, has organised the round table discussion (RTD) on Malaysian women building peace through community mediation. Professor Dr. Yvonne Lim Ai Lian, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Universiti Malaya, has stressed the importance of women's roles in sustaining peace in her opening remarks. It was preceded by opening remarks from Prof. Dr. Khadijah, as director of the Centre for Civilisational Dialogue, as well as Prof. Ir. Dato' Dr. Mohd Saleh Jaafar, the Vice Chancellor and President of Albukhary International University. This project outlines a comprehensive and impactful research initiative that aims to understand the crucial role of women in peace-building efforts within ASEAN member states, specifically focusing on Malaysia, led by Associate Professor Dr. Ayesah Uy Abu Bakar, Albukhary International University, and her co-researcher, Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr. Azizan Baharuddin, Universiti Malaya. The researchers from institutions such as Albukhary International University (AIU), Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, including the security sector, NGOs, leaders, and community, among others, are commendable and reflect a well-rounded interdisciplinary team. The inclusion of local researchers from diverse geographic regions—such as Penang/Kedah, Sarawak, Sabah, and Kuala Lumpur—demonstrates a thorough and regionally representative scope that can provide a nuanced understanding of the specific challenges and successes faced by women in conflict resolution at the community level.The primary aim of compiling cases of women’s involvement in peace-making activities, especially in local and community contexts, is highly relevant in today’s global discourse on women, peace, and security (WPS). This research significantly contributes to filling existing gaps in the literature, particularly within the ASEAN region, where local women’s roles in peace processes have often been underexplored. By focusing on case studies and success stories, the project has the potential to provide valuable insights into how women, as peacebuilders, can effectively mediate conflicts and prevent violence at both the grassroots and national levels.
The methodological approach, which includes local consultations, roundtable discussions, key informant interviews, and a thorough literature review, is robust and allows for the gathering of both qualitative and quantitative data. This mixed-methods approach ensures that the research is rooted in real-world experiences while also being academically rigorous. Furthermore, the goal of creating a catalogue of success stories will not only highlight the invaluable contributions of women in peace-building but will also serve as an important resource for practitioners, policymakers, and academics in the field.
The focus on fostering a community of practice among government representatives, security sectors, academia, and civil society groups is especially promising. It demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring women’s participation in peace and security agendas, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and ongoing dialogue across various sectors. By bridging the gap between research and policy implementation, the project aims to have a lasting impact on the empowerment of women in peace processes and conflict resolution.
Overall, this research represents an essential contribution to the field of peace and conflict studies, particularly in the context of ASEAN, and offers an important framework for furthering gender-inclusive peace-building initiatives in the region.
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