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Patience Rusare
On this International Day of Living Together in Peace (May 16), I reflect on my experience as a Rotary Peace Fellow from Zimbabwe, studying at the Rotary Peace Centre at Uganda’s renowned Makerere University.
Located in the conflict-prone Great Lakes region, the Peace Centre was established in 2021 as the newest of Rotary International’s seven peace centers dotted across the world.
It is the first in Africa, marking another milestone in fostering continental peace efforts.
It is here that I was exposed to the power of peace-building, and gained a deeper understanding of what peace truly means.
Before joining the fellowship, I thought peace was simply the absence of conflict or war.
However, I came to understand that peace is a much broader concept that goes beyond just the absence of violence.
Peace, as I see it now, is a state of harmony and security where everyone’s basic needs are met, and their rights and freedoms are respected.
It is a state where individuals and communities can live their lives without fear of discrimination, oppression, or violence.
Achieving this kind of peace requires the participation and cooperation of people from all backgrounds, irrespective of their race, gender, religion, or political affiliation.
One of the essential lessons I learned was the importance of listening to different perspectives.
When we take time to understand other people’s viewpoints and experiences, we can build bridges of understanding and empathy.
This, in turn, promotes trust and cooperation, which are essential for building sustainable peace.
My experiences at the Peace Centre have taught me that peace is not a passive state, but an active and ongoing effort.
By cultivating empathy, listening actively, and fostering a culture of forgiveness, individuals and families can promote harmony within their communities and beyond.
The media has a crucial role to play in promoting peace, particularly in conflict-prone regions.
At the Peace Centre, I was introduced to the concept of peace journalism, which sees a glass as half-full rather than half-empty.
Peace journalism is a form of journalism in which editors and reporters make choices that improve the prospects for peace in whatever story they are working on.
During my fellowship, I saw first-hand the power of peace journalism in action.
I launched a social change initiative on peace journalism, which aimed to train Zimbabwean journalists on how to report on conflict and cover political disputes.
The initiative involved a series of workshops for journalists from various media outlets across Zimbabwe, with a focus on conflict-sensitive and election reporting, as well as solutions-focused reporting.
I also founded the Southern African Peace Journalism Trust, which is a network of journalists committed to reporting on peace initiatives and supporting each other in their work.
The impact of the initiative was immediate as journalists began to make choices, including how to frame stories and carefully choose words to use, to create an atmosphere conducive to peace, and report on peace initiatives.
As Zimbabwe prepares for its upcoming elections, the media has a crucial role to play in promoting peace.
The adoption of a peace journalism approach can help reduce tensions and promote a peaceful electoral process.
The media should prioritise reporting accurate information, promoting dialogue, and fostering understanding between different political groups.
My time at the Peace Centre was a transformative experience that shaped my understanding of peace.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have been exposed to such powerful ideas and initiatives.
I encourage everyone to take concrete steps towards promoting peace in their communities, by cultivating empathy, listening actively, and fostering a culture of understanding.
Together, we can build a more peaceful world.
*Patience Rusare is a Rotary Peace Fellow, communication specialist, and peace expert based in Doha, Qatar. LinkedIn: Patience Rusare; Email: [email protected]
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