Conflict and pastoralism
Pastoral women as peacemakers
What roles can pastoral women play in peacebuilding
Authors:
; CAPE
Publisher:
Institutional and Policy Support Team, AU, 2003
This report examines the traditional roles of pastoral women in peace and conflict and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to working with these women on conflict issues. It also documents the methodology and impact of the alokita – Women’s peace crusade – used by CAPE.
Initially the report presents the findings of field research into the role of women in promoting conflict and as peacemakers. It identifies the following:
General roles in promoting conflict
- cultural values
- nagging
- ridicule and abuse
- encouraging revenge
- bridewealth
- security
- influence over husbands
Specific roles during raids
Roles in peacebuilding:
- symbols of peace
- ceremonial roles
- curses / withholding blessings
- songs
- friendship and trade
- marriage ties
- passing on traditional agreements
- women’s informal power
In discussion of these roles the author describes two broad strategies to support women as peacemakers through their formal and informal influence in the process of peacebuilding.
The second half of the report presents the outcomes from a workshop organised by CAPE on the same theme which aimed to improve practice and approaches in the field. The participants identified a number of opportunities for peacebuilding again focused on strengthening the formal and informal influence of women. The seminar participants also reviewed the role of women in rapid responses by elders to diffuse potential conflict and looked at the potential for pastoral women to tackle the root causes.
