Aligarh: Dr. Tarushikha Sarvesh, Assistant Professor at the Advanced Centre for Women’s Studies, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), presented her research paper at the Department of Sociology, University of Vienna, under the theme Critique, Politics, Power and Conflict.
In her presentation, Dr. Sarvesh shared insights from her in-depth study on the lived experiences of women in conflict-ridden areas such as Kashmir, the Georgia-Russia border, and Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Drawing on the phenomenological framework of philosopher Alfred Schutz, she examined how women navigate life-worlds and construct finite provinces of meaning in situations shaped by violence, patriarchal social structures, and limited access to justice.
Her study revealed that everyday actions – such as stepping outside the home or refusing to remarry – take on extraordinary significance in conflict zones, becoming powerful assertions of survival and resistance. These acts, often considered routine under normal circumstances, acquire symbolic and strategic value in disrupted environments.
Dr. Sarvesh also highlighted how conflict fractures social ties and compels women to engage in reflective, strategic actions to rebuild their lives. She advocated for policy frameworks that are informed by women’s lived experiences, emphasising that their narratives are vital for crafting inclusive and lasting approaches to peace and justice.
