Women in Social Reconstruction and Sustainable Peace: A Case of Turkana County-Kenya (2013 - 2022)
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Date
2024-10
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study examined the critical role of women in social reconstruction and sustainable peace in Turkana County, Kenya, during the post-conflict period from 2013 to 2022. The research was driven by the problem of persistent marginalization of women in formal peacebuilding processes, despite their extensive informal contributions to post-conflict recovery. The study aimed to: (1) evaluate the roles women play in rehabilitating damaged or collapsed social sectors; (2) assess their involvement in facilitating long-term social integration; and (3) analyze the challenges they face in social reconstruction initiatives. Guided by Feminist Theory and Conflict Transformation Theory, the study sought answers to how and to what extent women contribute to sustainable peace, and what barriers limit their participation in formal reconstruction processes. This research is significant as it offers a gender-sensitive perspective on post-conflict development and informs future policy and community-based interventions in fragile regions like Turkana. A descriptive survey design was employed, utilizing questionnaires and interview schedules to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from purposively selected participants, including women leaders, youth, local chiefs, and general community members. Data were analyzed using SPSS for quantitative responses and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Purposive sampling was used to select participants with relevant experience, yielding a sample size of 150. Validity was ensured through expert review and a pilot study, while reliability was assessed using the test–retest method to confirm instrument consistency. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to interpret the findings. The study revealed that women actively contribute to peacebuilding through small-scale trade, poverty eradication programs, education advocacy, intercommunity discourse, and emotional support networks. However, challenges such as cultural norms, limited access to resources, and exclusion from formal decision-making structures hinder their full participation. The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive policies and community frameworks that recognize and enhance the roles of women in social reconstruction for lasting peace in Turkana County
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirement of Award of Masters of Arts in Peace and Conflict Management of Kenyatta University, October 2024