Women In Inter-Community Peace And Reconciliation In Nothern Kenya: A Case Of Turkana County 1973 - 2002.

Abstract

Women from the pastoralist communities like any other women in conflict affected regions have found themselves involved in brokering peace in one way or another. This project paper, examines the contribution of Turkana women towards inter-community peace and reconciliation. The paper sought to find out the following: the causes of conflicts in Turkana; the role of women in conflicts, the contribution of women in inter-community peace and reconciliation and the impact of women work to inter-community peace and reconciliation. It utilized the use of secondary, primary written and primary oral methods of data collection. Secondary data was obtained from books, articles and journals while a questionnaire was used to obtain primary oral data through interviews. The data was then transcribed and analyzed under different themes. The study found out that raiding is a major cause of inter-ethnic conflicts between the Turkana and the neighbours (Pokot, Samburu, Karamojong, Merille, Dodoth and Toposa). The conflicts revolve around livestock and livestock resources. Raiding is a means through which these communities access the resources. The study also found out that Turkana women are not victims but active participants and actors in castigating conflicts. They play supportive roles such as information sharing, supply of provisions, conflict catalysts, music and dance and participation in raid rituals. Turkana women have also contributed to peace through a variety of approaches such as women peace crusades, symbols of peace, friendship and trade, women and informal power, peace committee members, actors in early warning mechanisms, women in administration and women based organizations. The paper has also revealed that peace efforts by Turkana women have resulted into positive impact towards peace. The positive results of women peace work include bridging the inter-ethnic bridges, improved security, promote the use of non-violent approaches to conflict resolution and sustained peacebuilding at grassroots level. Turkana women also face hurdles that have hindered their substantive engagement in peace building work. These limitations include gender roles and cultural barriers, women lack unity and oneness, impunity and the limited capacity of women peacebuilders. These barriers limit the effectiveness of women work towards peace. This paper argues that Turkana women contribute significantly to inter-ethnic peace and their substantive inclusion in every level of peace building and reconciliation is a vital component in achieving sustainable peace within the pastoral communities of northwest Kenya.