The answer to war is not war. It is love.
by Sahro | September 28, 2011 at 1:23 PM
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As you all know, Somalia and Somalis have suffered a lot. In the past 25 years, there has been a lot of death and destruction and there is still a lot of death and destruction ongoing. A lot of preparations are underway for more violence and war all over Somalia as I write this. Yet there is no talk of peace and peaceful means of resolving conflict. There is no respect for our different opinions and freedom of speech. There is no encouragement for peaceful negotiations, for conflict transformation, for prevention of conflict, for teaching non-violent techniques to children and youth, no sense of civic duty and communicated respect nor messages of love for mankind. Why is peace building not a priority for a people who have been traumatized by conflict for over 25 years? Why are nonviolent means of resolving conflicts not taught in schools? Why is it not a subject of the curriculum in all schools in Somalia?
Somali men in particular need to be taught this skill. In Somalia it is encouraged that young boys act aggressively towards each other and demonstrate warrior-like fighting. Two men start an argument, it becomes a fight, one takes the knife, the other the gun. It becomes a war, families kill each other. Escalation. Bloodshed. The entire country is ruined. We need to break the cycle. Just as the gun is reachable and in our hands, so is peace also reachable and in our hands.
I have been thinking really hard about these questions and about how I, as an individual, can contribute with my own input in creating the change I seek on fundamental matters such as peace in Somalia. There is an urgent need for understanding the benefits of peace. There is a need for creating and visualizing the benefits that peace will bring in Somalia. There is a need to speak a language of love and harmony that is inclusive of all ethnic groups. There is a need to have more role models and peace builders. There is a need to think of the greater good and contribute to it in Somalia. There is a need for dialogue and commitment. There is a need to include more women in these talks. Constructive by nature, women are natural builders/multipliers. There is a strong need for urgent change in Somalia. Why don't we have a Minister for Peace and Non-violent Resolution of Conflict? It would seem logical to have one or even 2 after 25+ years of war and violent conflict! We need to go to schools, community centers and preach peace, compassion, dialogue and love. There is a need to create a Ministry for Peace and Conflict Transformation.Peace therefore is in our own hands.
I think PulseWire could serve as the platform where awareness can be created about the issues i mention above. I think people who believe in the power of peace can share resources here and then pool their efforts and experiences in order to make a bigger impact. I have seen some very outspoken young and vibrant Somali woman from Somalia here on this website and i am sure that together we could brainstorm, share best practices, policy outcome, global activities. Together we are stronger.
Sahro Ahmed
Garowe, Puntland, Somalia
Comments
T
This is a very interesting piece that articulates the issues in a balanced way. I sense a positive attitude in your writing and I hope that you will get to see your vision come to pass.
I see a future Somali leader in you
Cheers,
Y
A candle looses nothing my lighting another
Thank you!
Thank you!
Sahro Ahmed Koshin
Garowe, Puntland
Sahro, just like always, you
Sahro, just like always, you hit the nail on the head. The answer to war is not war but peace. I'm with Y on this one, I see a future Somali leader in you. Keep walking tall!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Sahro Ahmed Koshin
Garowe, Puntland
Bautiful!
Dear Sah,
This is really powerful and inspiring post. Strong women like is what we need in our country to step up and bring change. As you said "Peace is in our hands" and for sure we can make it.
Women worldwide are almost the same in one way or another, am sure many women out there are inspired by your posts and thoughts.
I salute you sis.
In affection and solidarity,
Marian
Thank you dearest Marian. Its
Thank you dearest Marian.
Its because of you that i am still here!! When i almost gave up you pulled me up and I am forever thankful. You are an amazing young lady and I am so inspired by your personality and your hard work. You are such a diverse person, multi-talented, manshallah. I didn't know you were also with Women's News Network, i am a fan/subscriber for years. We have so much in common and it is just such a great pity that we still...... haven't yet met!!
Love, Sah
Sahro Ahmed Koshin
Garowe, Puntland
Bravo! ...
Yey, sister! You are now at the homepage - a frontliner in our struggle!
Sis you always inspire me with your dedication and commitments. Each time I talk to you or read from you, I become more and more motivated. I am so pleased to be your friend.
Work dictates you know, but next time I come to Garowe we will meet inshallah even if its just few minutes or hours.
Congratulations and all the best...
Hugs
Wow, i just saw the
Wow, i just saw the headliner.....it really means alot to me to be there you know.
I am speechless.
♥♥♥
Sahro Ahmed Koshin
Garowe, Puntland
The Answer to War...
Sahro, thank you for this writing. Your visions and ideas caused a physical reaction in me, a kind of low-grade excitement that comes only with profound hope, in this case, hope that women of your ilk will succeed in your lofty dreams, although those dreams are tinged enough with reality to not take the form of expectation. From a war-torn country ruled by tribal brutality, you are a woman who speaks of love and peace as though millenia of bloodshed could be transformed into harmony and equality. If it is at all possible, your recommendations for change are solid, intelligent and, perhaps, doable in the far future, for it will take generations for the programs you wish for to impact on children and for the hate-mongerers and disciples of violence to pass on. You move from the top down, logically and thoughtfully, from gov't. ministries to school objectives to dialogue and commitment by the popular citizenry. You apparently have given your country's obstacles to peace much consideration and you care deeply. You do not speak of your personal struggle for safety and survival; your concern is greater, societal, and for this, too, I commend you. That there are other 'very outspoken young and vibrant Somali women' provides optimism to your quest and to this reader. I wish you every bit of courage and success that you wish for yourself.
earthwindfire, thank you for
earthwindfire, thank you for your comments and compliments.I really enjoyed reading from you. I have lived and worked in Somalia the past 4-5 years and so when i write, i write from a first-hand experience. I speak from my heart. I also speak from my head- my personal safety and security comes first. I think that change come with some challenges and perhaps a price too. I hope to contribute to the process of change or rather that would lead to change in Somalia, specifically in Puntland where i reside.
We have only one female Minister in Puntland and she heads the only Ministry that is successful and corrupt-free. Why cant we have more? Women throughout the world are known for being multipliers, changemakers, great leaders. I also hope to contribute to the creation of a group of Somali Women Leaders forum. I have just now created a group right here on Worldpulse with that exact title. Please join us.
Thank you very much for your feedback.
Sahro
Sahro Ahmed Koshin
Garowe, Puntland
Reading your article I could
Reading your article I could feel the yearning for peace in your tone and of course it should be there. Who doesn't want to live in a peaceful country and who doesn't wish for the best for their country? I hope you get the chance to be the voice that preaches peace and who knows it is you who should be the Minister of Peace and post-conflict transformation.
Thanks!
MaDube, thanks alot dear. Great to hear from you.
Sahro Ahmed Koshin
Garowe, Puntland
Inspiring!
Hello Sahro -- Thank you for this very inspiring article. The journey towards peace-building has to start with the individual and my heart is warmed by your vision for lasting peace in your motherland. More power to your dreams as you join hands with others to make the vision a reality!
A Choir of Women Singing for Peace
Sahro, this ia a beautiful essay for peace. Your voice rings loud and clear. Your vision is both passionate and well considered. Cudos to you for forming a group of Somali Women Leaders on World Pulse. Joining your voices together will create and unstopable song for peace. Just reading the comments your World Pulse sisters have posted here is a clear demonstration of the powerful dialog that will emerge. Thanks you for being such an inspirational force for peace. I admire you and your conviction!
Fantastic
Sahro,
You have all the makings of a true leader, giving such a huge issue your deep thought and energy, coming up with a plan, and now looking for partnership to move forward. I applaud your can-do attitude toward a cause and making the world a better place -- I can see it in your beautiful smile of your profile photo as well.
Frances