A discussion on the implementation of UN resolution 1325 and its implications in Sri Lanka. Event organized by the School of Diplomacy and International Relations - Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS) and the Center for Foreign Policy Studies, and co-sponsored by the United Nations Association of the USA, a program of the UN Foundation and by Inclusive Security.

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We were honored to host Visaka Dharmadasa as the keynote speaker. Visaka is the Founder and Chair of Association of War Affected Women and Parents of Servicemen Missing in Action. Struggling to end the civil war, she was able to bring women together across the conflict lines to work for peace.

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Ms. Dharmadasa educates soldiers and community leaders about international standards of conduct of war, specifically to raise awareness about the importance of soldier’s identification tags and treatment to prisoners of war. She also works on disseminating the content of UN resolution 1325 on women peace and security, calling for the inclusion of women at all levels of peace building and decision making. She trains women to run for political office and also on power sharing.

 

She was awarded the prestigious Humanitarian award for 2006 by the Inter-Action of Washington DC, and in coordination with the “1000 Peace women across the globe” movement, she was nominated for a collective Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. She was a team member of special rapporteur to look into the violence in north and east of Sri Lanka and the ceasefire violations by the Human Rights commission, and Consultation Taskforce on Reconciliation Mechanisms appointed by Government of Sri Lanka.

 

Visaka Dharmadasa holds a degree in negotiations and mediation skills and in women and security from Harvard University.

 

Her work as peacemaker provided us with valuable insights about the critical roles that women play in peacebuilding.