Role of Informal Women Groups in Peace Building in Moyale Sub-county, Marsabit County

Abstract

The overall goal of this study was to investigate the role the informal women groups in peace building within the Moyale sub-county in Marsabit County. The study’s specific objectives were to: to document how informal women groups are organized; to explore the levels of their engagement in peace building and to delve into the challenges these groups in peace building. This study was guided by a theory of an American philosopher by the name John Dewey (1922), who played a significant role in the development of the philosophy of pragmatism, but largely referred to it as instrumentalism. The study was descriptive and employed qualitative data collection methods including Focus Group Discussions, case narratives and key informant interviews. Study participants were purposively recruited from women groups within Moyale Sub-County region who have participated in peace building processes for over five (5) years. The findings reveal the vast contributions the informal women groups have brought in peace building processes. They have been organizing themselves and participating in the peace processes at the household level to the sub county level. This is despite the challenges that they have been due to the culture of the communities who are cited as overwhelmingly responsible for relegating women to a lower status to that of men. There is high illiteracy level among women that has led to the informal women groups and its members not to be in peace processes, particularly at the formal and decision making levels, it is of great concern that their contributions are recognized and that they are encouraged to participate in peace processes. It emerges that most women participate in peace building at the informal level where their role as peace builders is being recognized, but they still lacks support. This study provides insight into the role of the informal women groups and their participation in decision-making; peace building or community development in general. In conclusion the study provides insights for future research on the role of informal women group in pastoral communities in all aspects of peace processes and acts as a basis of other researches that entail peace-building processes not only in Kenya but also across the conflicting areas and the world at large. Several recommendations have been provided to recognize and enhance the informal women groups’ participation and recognition of their contributions in peace building processes within the Moyale sub-county and the vast county at large. These recommendations encompass: Economic empowerment and support, raising literacy rates amongst women and girls; Encourage men to join as champions of women inclusion in these processes and promote general development of Moyale Sub County. This is through provision of necessary and relevant information on Kenya’s adoption of UNSCR, particularly in ensuring an all-inclusive and gendered approach in the establishment, coordination and monitoring of various committees and networks in the security sector at both County and Sub-County levels. Moreover, it provides some measures that are necessary to assist in peace building processes. Finally, it proposes that to prevent negative conflicts arousing, we need to be responsible ourselves in order to create a morally acceptable nation where we live in peace and harmony.