Effect of Ethnic Conflict on Women and Children in Mount Elgon Region (2008-2012)

Abstract

The existence of land disputes and related issues of unequal access and distribution of resources in Mount Elgon is the catalyst to the conflict under study. The conflict is further complicated by the recurring history of sustained violence in Mount Elgon, politics as well as limited local economic prospects. As stated elsewhere, the conflict in Mount Elgon has had tremendous effects on women and children more than any other group, with widespread attacks always leaving them deeply scared by the violence witnessed and the sexual assaults committed. It is in this mindset that the objective of the study was to establish the effects of ethnic conflict on women and children in Mount Elgon region (2008-2012). Three objectives guided the study related to; gendered effects of ethnic conflict on women and children in Mount Elgon region (2008-2012), effect of the military interventions on women and children in Mount Elgon region (2008-2012) and key strategies for resolving the future conflicts on women and children in Mount Elgon region (2008-2012). The study concluded that gender analysis in armed conflict highlights the difference between women and men in terms of their gendered roles and activities, their needs, their power and control of resources and their access to decision making processes even in post conflict situations. The study concluded that the conflict in Mt.Elgon had tremendous effects on women and children. The study concluded that there are four peace building strategies that may be helpful in prevention of recurrence of conflicts. They include trauma healing; community dialogue; resettlement and capacity development. The study recommended that to overcome the gendered effects on women and children, capacity building should be undertaken on the vulnerable women by creating their capacity and awareness on the ways of seeking assistance during conflicts. The study recommended that in order to overcome the injurious effects associated with military interventions on women and children in Mount Elgon, affected women should be accorded legal redress that will involve reciprocated compensation by the government based on the negative effects suffered. Finally, the study recommended that women should be in forefront as peace builders. Women should have shared forums where they come together to point out the issues and challenges with potential of triggering future conflicts. The women should also engage in dialogue involving genuine interaction, listening at each other to overcome the conflict-related traumas. The study on effects of ethnic conflict on women and children in Mount Elgon region (2008-2012), should further be escalated to cover the period 2012-2017 that has witnessed further conflicts