Femininity and Masculinity of Conflict: a Comparative Analysis of Somalia and Sudan Women’s Contribution to Peace Building

Abstract

The study examines masculinity and femininity of conflict and specifically makes a comparative analysis of Somalia and South Sudan. Its main objective is to compare the effects of femininity and masculinity on women’s contribution to peace building in Somalia and South Sudan. The study is anchored and utilizes the theory feminism and masculinity. Substantial information has been acquired from interviews with Somali and South Sudanese nationals. The study found out that conflict is gendered and women’s participation in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peace building is crucial. The study therefore concluded that women should be incorporated in decision-making in every aspect of the society and especially peace building , this inclusion of women would serve to enrich conflict management and peace building strategies by making their contributions, experiences and needs an integral part of the processes. There has been relatively little work done on conflict from femininity and masculinity perspective which would seek to bring in another dimension into the limitations of women as far as their contribution to peace building is concerned.