Have you ever considered the women’s role to bring peace and democracy in Nepal? May be not, always you see Girija or Prachanda claiming, they have brought peace in Nepal. But after watching the documentary Sari Soldiers , then may be your view might change.

Sari Soldiers was on women’s role to bring peace, democracy and rule of law in Nepal. The documentary begins with the King Gyanendra ascending the throne, his coup and the escalating Maoist insurgency. The story followed six women from six areas: one was Maoist combatant, second was human right activist, third was army personal, fourth was monarchist, fifth was democracy warrior and the last civilian suffered from the conflict that killed more than 13, 000 people in 10 years.

Sari Soldiers

Comrade Kranti was involved with the CPN Maoist since the insurgency began. She has already participated in many wars. Mandira Sharma is Human Right Defender who was awarded with the Human Right Defender award two times for her effort to protect Human Rights and establish rule of law. After her brother was killed in combat, Janaki joined then Royal Nepal Army. Krishna was a monarchist who was totally against the Maoist atrocities and she had led first women uprising against the Maoist in rural village of Dailekh. Ram Kumari Jhankri, a student leader is fighting to restore democracy and end the autocratic rule of King Gyanendra. And Devi Sunuwar is fighting for her daughter who was detained by army and was tortured and executed in extra-judicial killing.

The documentary follows these six women and tells their own story in their own language. This documentary shows how the conflict affected the all lives and women’s will power to fight for justice and cause. Kranti or Devi, Ram Kumari or Krishna, everyone is trying to end the difference that has divided the society in two fractions of haves and haves not, in their own way.

Danger is there for everyone. Due to conflict many characters were forced to flee their villages and migrate to safer places like Kathmandu. Their lives were in constant danger but the hope of justice, peace kept them moving. Devi fought vigorously for her daughter’s safety and state’s atrocities. The night when her daughter was taken by army, army had come for her. But fortunately or unfortunately, she wasn’t home. Instead army took her daughter Maina and did encounter accusing her to be Maoist. Her constant fight for justice gave the case international attention and at last, army was forced to admit the error.

The documentary ends showing the peace has returned to Nepal, and Democratic Republic has been institutionalized in Nepal. The six characters have moved ahead and are hopeful, it would last forever.

After watching this documentary, I felt like every conflict has bad side. But such effort of people to move ahead and keep fighting for the right cause keeps country on track of development and stability. Many people might believe this was has pushed Nepal backward in terms of development and economic transformation, but I believe this has also brought political consciousness in people. People have understood the meaning of democracy, equality, stability which has made Nepal so inclusive now. If these women haven’t championed their cases, then may be we wouldn’t have been able to bring back the democracy and inclusiveness and way to equality, peace and justice.

I salute to all those visible and invisible, soldiers in sari or any other dresses, who fought for equality, justice and democracy. May be their role would never be acknowledged properly, their actions would be a forgotten history but its because of them, my future generation is in safe hands. Thank you!

For more info: www.wmm.com

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