The Role Of Women As Agents And Promoters Of Unity, Peace And Reconcilliation In Kenya

Abstract

One of the major challenges we continue to face at the close of the twentieth century is the achieveme nt of genuine lasting word peace. In the past, the eff ects of war were limited, but today our potential t o destroy is beyond imagination. In many parts of th e world, local and regional conflicts are causing misery in millions, and have potentially far reachi ng global consequences. Kenya, especially during th e political crisis has not been an exception to the a bove phenomenon. The paper starts from the notion that there has not been enough integration of gender perspectives int o peace process and conflict resolutions. The paper t herefore, attempts to analyze the gender specific effects of the post election crisis on women and gi rls, who are both victims and perpetrators of viole nce. It also gives recommendations on how the status of ordinary women in this country can be enhanced, especially by the church when dealing with peace, u nity and security. In doing so, the paper emphasize s the pro-active roles women can play as peace builde rs and how governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the politicians, church leade rs and the general population can take advantage of this and pay greater attention upon building women’ s capacities in order to better participate in peac e building process.