Women participation in conflict management and socio-economic transformation in Burundi a case study of Ngozi Subcounty
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Date
2015-06
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Humanities and Social science
Abstract
This study focused on women’s participation in conflict management and
socioeconomic transformation in Ngozi subcounty, Ngozi Pronvice,
Burundi. Three specific objectives were based on to collect data, these
included; to examine the role of women in conflict management in Ngozi
sub county; to analyse how women’s participation in conflict management
influence socio-economic transformation and, to examine the challenges
women face in managing conflicts. The researcher employed both
descriptive and exploratory research designs. A sample size of 70
respondents was used to collect information.
Findings on objective one showed that there could be an opportunity loss
of not involving women before, during and after conflicts as a conflict
management approach because women’s involvement through mediation,
conflict resolution and transformation initiatives. Women are also excellent
actors in peace building and decision making as they normally have
brilliant ideas to calm conflict situations. This does not only restore peace
but also significantly leads to national development.
Looking at the second objective, findings showed that in the process of
managing conflicts, women share ideas, get networks and contacts which
they eventually use for economic benefits like employment opportunities -
this largely determines their families’ standards of living. Successful
management of conflicts enables women to aggressively participate in
modernized agriculture and now are they are also in international trade
which leads to socio-economic transformation and food security that
eventually brings national development. Similarly participation of women
in conflict management leads to their social improvements and improved
quality of life~for self and family since conflict management influence them
into better decision making by promoting greater social cohesion, peace,
trust in social institutions, democratic participation, and appreciation of
diversity in gender, ethnicity, religion and social class.
It was however established that although women’s contributions in conflict
management is very important, they experience various challenges in the
due course -these included; limited financial resources to effectively run
their conflict management projects, exclusion from male-dominated
decision-making forums, cultural rigidities and ties, security risks as they
normally experience threats from conflicting parties, among others.
The study therefore recommends that the Reconciliation Commission in
Burundi should advocate for gender mainstreaming at both national and
community level, involve women in conflict management and warning
systems, and train women in mediation, facilitation and alternative
dispute resolution if the country is to achieve social, political and
economic transformation and development.
Description
A research report submitted to the college humanities and social sciences in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a bachelor’s degree in social work and social administration of Kampala International University
Keywords
Women participation, Conflict management, Socio-economic transformation, Burundi