dc.description.abstract | This research project examines the role of women in post conflict peace building in the
Republic of South Sudan. There is common belief that state-building in conflict-torn
countries such as South Sudan may offer important opportunities to spur women's rights,
equality and participation in matters of governance for inclusive development. The main
objective of this study was therefore to understand and assess the role of women in post
conflict peace building. This is premised on the notion that women, as citizens of their
country, are not peripheral in the political conflicts that occur in their country, but that
they have a moral and social responsibility to participate in its reconstruction. This study
examined the role of women in post conflict so as to explore the opportunities for
strengthening their participation and shed light on the undocumented contributions of
women. This research project examines the actual approaches that women employed in
peace building, their actual contribution to the peace effort and possible impediments that
influence their role. This research project is qualitative in nature. The data were obtained
from secondary sources including legal documents. Some primary data were obtained
mainly from key informants through interviews with women Member of Parliament,
women CSOs and women councils in juba and Nairobi. The findings indicate that peace
building efforts in South Sudan resulted in a higher representation of women at national,
local and decision-making levels. However, this was after women’s advocacy and request
for this involvement, it did not simply come. The findings also indicated that there are
still many challenges to women's rights, equality and participation, which affect their
roles in peace building. The challenges are asymmetric and include structural barriers
embedded in customary laws, as well as low women's access to education. This study
concurs with similar studies on the role of women in peace building, says Zaynab ElSawi
(2011) and Mayesha et al (2014) which found that women have immensely contributed to
peace building in South Sudan but with less documentation. It concludes that women can
play an effective role in peace processes if they access appropriate routes and are
sensitized through awareness creation about the benefits of peace for all concerned and
the importance of spreading a culture of peace in the community. Women of (Jubek
State) of South Sudan signify and epitomize a valuable and cutting across ethic lines
through marriage. This is evident in the Government of South Sudan and others who
seek to build a strong and politically sustainable nation-state and that several challenges
confront the women in the socio-political context of South Sudan which inhibit the peace
building process. The study recommends that women should continue to build
approaches premised on consortia and networks to access slots in peace negations and
funding, that post conflict building process should set priorities for the new state through
consultations and other democratic processes that involve wide participation for women
and ensure women representation at all levels of government. Finally, that the
government of South Sudan should address barriers such as exclusion of women from
governance by identifying and eliminating socioeconomic, political, and cultural barriers
to women’s participation at the household, community and state levels. | en_US |