The Effectiveness of Women in Peace Building (a case study of Benue State, Otukpo Local Government Area)
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of women in peacebuilding within the context of Benue State, specifically focusing on the Otukpo Local Government Area. The study aims to:
- Assess the extent and nature of women’s involvement in peacebuilding initiatives.
- Analyze existing peacebuilding strategies and mechanisms employed within the local context.
- Investigate the impact of women’s participation on peace processes.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF WOMEN IN PEACEBUILDING
Women’s participation in peacebuilding has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in promoting sustainable peace and fostering inclusive societies. Numerous studies and reports have highlighted the significant contributions of women to peacebuilding efforts worldwide.
Women’s involvement in peace negotiations and decision-making processes contributes to more inclusive and comprehensive peace agreements. According to the United Nations, peace agreements that include women as signatories are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years. (United Nations. (2015).
Women’s participation in peacebuilding ensures that gender equality and human rights are integrated into peace agreements and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Research by UN Women indicates that peace agreements with gender provisions are more likely to address issues such as sexual violence, women’s political participation, and access to justice. UN Women. (2012)
Women’s grassroots peacebuilding initiatives play a crucial role in promoting reconciliation and healing in post-conflict societies. Studies by organizations like the International Alert demonstrate how women-led peacebuilding activities at the local level contribute to rebuilding social cohesion and addressing the root causes of violence. International Alert. (2013)
Women’s participation in governance and decision-making processes strengthens democratic institutions and promotes social cohesion. Research by the Institute for Inclusive Security shows that countries with higher levels of women’s political participation are more likely to experience long-term peace and stability. (Institute for Inclusive Security. (2014)
Women’s early warning and conflict prevention efforts contribute to preventing the escalation of violence and resolving conflicts before they become entrenched. According to a study by the International Peace Institute, gender-balanced peace processes are more likely to address the underlying causes of conflict and achieve sustainable peace. (International Peace Institute. (2015)
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the Effectiveness of Women in Peace Building” (a case study of Benue State, Otukpo Local Government Area). Selected women in Otukpo, Benue state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain The Effectiveness of Women in Peace Building” (a case study of Benue State, Otukpo Local Government Area. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the Effectiveness of Women in Peace Building
Summary
This study was on The Effectiveness of Women in Peace Building” (a case study of Benue State, Otukpo Local Government Area. Three objectives were raised which included: Assess the extent and nature of women’s involvement in peacebuilding initiatives, analyze existing peacebuilding strategies and mechanisms employed within the local context and Investigate the impact of women’s participation on peace processes. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected women in Otukpo, Benue state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study on the effectiveness of women in peacebuilding, focusing on Benue State, Otukpo Local Government Area, provides valuable insights into the role of women in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. Through a combination of empirical analysis, case studies, and stakeholder interviews, the research has shed light on the multifaceted contributions of women to peacebuilding efforts in the region.
The findings of the study highlight the importance of women’s participation in peace processes, from grassroots reconciliation initiatives to formal peace negotiations. Women in Benue State, particularly in Otukpo Local Government Area, have demonstrated remarkable resilience, leadership, and innovation in promoting dialogue, healing divisions, and building bridges across communities affected by conflict.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study on the effectiveness of women in peacebuilding in Benue State, Otukpo Local Government Area, several recommendations can be proposed to enhance women’s participation and impact in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction efforts:
- Government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders should take proactive measures to increase the representation of women in decision-making bodies, peace negotiations, and conflict resolution mechanisms. This can be achieved through quota systems, affirmative action policies, and targeted capacity-building initiatives for women leaders.
- Provide financial, technical, and logistical support to women’s organizations and grassroots initiatives that promote peace, reconciliation, and community cohesion. This includes funding for women-led peacebuilding projects, training in conflict resolution skills, and access to resources for sustainable livelihoods.
- Ensure that peacebuilding interventions are gender-sensitive and responsive to the specific needs, priorities, and experiences of women, men, and marginalized groups. This requires mainstreaming gender analysis into conflict assessments, program design, and monitoring and evaluation processes.
- Enhance the capacity of government institutions, law enforcement agencies, and judicial bodies to address gender-based violence, discrimination, and impunity. This includes training for law enforcement officers and judicial personnel on gender-sensitive approaches to conflict resolution and justice.
- Conduct public awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts to promote gender equality, women’s rights, and the importance of women’s participation in peacebuilding. Engage religious leaders, traditional authorities, and community influencers as champions for gender equality and peace.
References
- International Peace Institute (IPI), “Research Links Women’s Participation in Peace Processes to Better Outcomes,” https://www.ipinst.org/2015/09/research-links-womens-participation-in-peace-processes-to-better-outcomes ↩
- United States Institute of Peace (USIP), “Women Preventing Extremism and Building Peace: Lessons Learned from Women’s Roles in Liberia and Sierra Leone,” https://www.usip.org/publications/2017/09/women-preventing-extremism-and-building-peace-lessons-learned-womens-roles ↩
- UN Women, “Women’s Leadership and Participation,” https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/peace-and-security/womens-leadership-and-participation ↩
- UN Security Council, “Report of the Secretary-General on Women, Peace and Security,” https://undocs.org/S/2021/1117 ↩
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), “Women’s participation in peace processes: Key to a durable peace,” https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/crisis-prevention-and-recovery/women-s-participation-in-peace-processes–key-to-a-durable-peace.html ↩ Enloe, Cynthia. “Bananas, Beaches, and Bases: Making Feminist Sense of International Politics.” University of California Press, 2014. ↩
- Crenshaw, Kimberlé. “Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color.” Stanford Law Review, vol. 43, no. 6, 1991, pp. 1241-1299. ↩
