The role of women in conflict Management in the great lakes region: The case of Kenya’s post election violence

Abstract

this study I investigated and evaluated the role of women in conflict management in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. Particular focus of this study was the Kenya’s Post Election Violence (2007/2008) and how it affected women, how women were involved in it and the subsequent role women played in managing and resolving it. The objective of the study was to establish to what extent women’s participation in conflict management has been emancipated in the respective GLR countries’ National Action Plans (NAPs) in accordance with the requirements of UNSCR 1325,whether women in Kenya played a significant role in the management of Post Election Violence which impacted the national healing and reconciliation and whether there is a positive correlation between national governments’ commitment to the implementation of the UNSCR 1325 and enhanced participation and involvement of women in conflict management. The findings of this study established that women played a significant but underestimated role in the management of Kenya’s PEV. Most of their activities took place through grassroots organizations due to their lack of access to formal participation. Drawing on shared values of security and women coming together around shared concerns in seeking peace that is rooted in social justice and freedom women engage in confidence-building programs across communities and play a key role in fostering reconciliation both during conflict and after. The study also established that despite the passage of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on Women Peace and Security more than a decade ago, not enough progress has been made to increase women’s participation in conflict prevention, peace processes and postconflict recovery. Women signatories to peace agreements account for less than 2.4% in 21 peace processes reviewed since 1992, and the United Nations has yet to appoint a woman as a lead mediator.