Women participation in conflict management and socio-economic transformation in Burundi a case study of Ngozi Subcounty

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.