Browsing by Author "Gichinga, Teresa Wangechi"

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    Perspectives and Experiences of Women Involved in Peacebuilding Processes in Kenya
    (JAIS, 2023-11) Gichinga, Teresa Wangechi; Mulu, Francis
    The purpose of this study was to investigate experiences of women involved in peacebuilding processes in Kenya. The driving factor for the study was political instability and ethnic conflicts have plagued Kenya, especially since the post-election violence in 2007 and 2008, which claimed the lives of over a thousand people and displaced over 600,000. Many women have been subjected to sexual abuse, been forced to flee their homes, and lost loved ones as a result of these wars. Despite these setbacks, women in Kenya have participated in peacemaking initiatives. Their contributions to community building and healing have been invaluable. Women have played an important role in many aspects of peacebuilding, including but not limited to conflict resolution, mediation, negotiations, and the promotion of social cohesion and community development. The Women's Peace Caravan is an outstanding instance of women's participation in peacebuilding in Kenya. In 2008, a group of women who had been impacted by the violence that followed an election launched this effort. The Ladies’ Peace Caravan was a group of ladies from all over the country who set out on a journey to spread messages of peace and unity. The caravan went to the locations where the violence had taken place and hosted seminars and discussions on fostering peace. Through non-governmental groups, women have also contributed to fostering peace. For instance, the Kenyan Women's Peace Network (KEWOPA) is a network of organizations led by women that advocate for national stability. Conflict resolution, mediation, and promoting women's rights in peacebuilding are all areas in which KEWOPA has participated. Women peacebuilders in Kenya, however, encounter significant obstacles. In peacebuilding efforts, women frequently experience a lack of access to resources and prejudice because of their gender. Women rarely have a voice in formal peace talks and are routinely left out of decision-making procedures. The role of women in fostering peace is also underappreciated. The study findings revealed that Kenyan women participate in local peace committees, civil society groups, and community-based organizations to build peace. Women's perspectives and engagement in addressing the root causes of conflicts and fostering inclusive, long-term peace need to be highlighted. The study established that Kenyan women confront several peacebuilding challenges such as discrimination, marginalization, gender-based violence, and exclusion from decision-making which cause setbacks. If these trends continue, women's engagement may reduce violence and conflict, increase democracy, and improve social cohesion and reconciliation. The study recommends the need to involve Kenyan women in peacebuilding outreach and support for women's organizations and civil society groups, training and capacitybuilding, and efforts to remove systemic impediments to women's participation in decisionmaking.
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    Women in Peacebuilding Initiatives After 2007/8 Post-Election Violence in Kibra Subcounty, Nairobi City County, Kenya
    (2024-05) Gichinga, Teresa Wangechi
    The study examined the role of women in peace processes in Nairobi City County, Kenya, following post-election violence in 2007/2008. The three main objectives of the study were to examine the role of women in peace processes in Nairobi City County, to assess the impact of women's participation in community peace processes and to examine the experiences and perspectives of women involved in peace processes in Nairobi City County. The study was guided by gender, development and conflict theories and fundamentally enabled the study of women in peacebuilding in Nairobi City County. The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches in data collection and data analysis using methods and a mixed methods research design. The tools used for data collection were pre-tested in Mathare Sub-County, which is as cosmopolitan as Kibra Sub-County. The study population included women as community members who participated in peace initiatives in Nairobi City County through their households, administrators and CSOs following the 2007/08 post-election violence. The study, which involved 390 respondents, examined the role of women in peace processes in Nairobi City County, Kenya, and the impact of women-led initiatives on promoting peace and reducing violence. It found that conflict and discrimination hinder women's participation, but recognition, support and empowerment are crucial to promoting gender equality. The recommendations noted that the government should sign peace agreements, provide resources and work with civil society to include women in leadership and peace processes. Regular evaluation and comprehensive commitments are crucial. Human security and peace networks supported by civil society should include urban and rural women's organizations. NGOs and women's groups must empower women in peace and security and advocate for their inclusion in gender equality policies. Collaboration between international and local organizations with regular consultations and funding arrangements is crucial. Expanding networks through alliances helps to overcome challenges and marginalization after conflict. The interaction of different women's groups strengthens women's movements in post-conflict scenarios.