Influence of Women Participation in Community Peace Building Programmes and Social Welfare of Communities- a Case of the Tugen Community in Marigat Subcounty of Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

The focus of this research was on the influence of women participation in community peace building programs on social welfare of communities using the case of the Tugen community in Baringo County. Although women constitute a larger part of the population, their efforts in peace building processes and activities in their communities have never been fully recognized and commended. Their influence and participation are considered secondary to that of men. Nonetheless, women still wield significant influence in the success of programs and initiatives that take place in their communities. As such, studying the influence of women participation in community peace building programs is essential. The objectives of this study were to: Assess the influence of women participation in reconciliation efforts in community peace building programs; Evaluate the influence of women participation towards leadership of community peace building programs; Establish the influence of women participation in Conflict Prevention efforts in community peace building programs and; Assess the influence of women participation in socio economic empowerment activities in community peace building programs. Using Management theory, the study evaluated the theoretical framework of the study that took the view that women have influence on the success of community peace building programs and through the conceptual framework, the study highlights the indicators of women participation in community peace building activities such as reconciliation, leadership, conflict prevention and socio economic empowerment. This study used descriptive method of research design and purposive sampling to collect data on the problem statement. The target population is 300 people comprising of community members, women leaders and women from community-based organizations working with women in the study area. The study used Krejcie and Morgan formulae to generate a sample size of 169 respondents. Data has been analyzed, presented, discussed, and interpreted in line with the research questions. The data analysis in this case was to establish some of the social factors, which tend to influence women participation and engagement in community peace building within their community. Some of the findings were presented in table forms, something that would allow effective communication. Finally, the report has summarized the findings of the study with clear conclusion that women influence social welfare through community peace projects specifically through reconciliation efforts, leadership, socio economic empowerment, and conflict prevention. In line with the research, it remains evident that women in Tugen community have always been striving to maintain peace within their community. Findings also revealed that high skill levels tend to influence Tugen women engagement in conflict resolutions, and peace building. This study provided theoretical and practical information on women’s involvement in peace building projects and showed the significance of their influence. This information will be important for society as it communicates the value and contribution of women to sustainable peace in the world. The Kenyan government should focus on signing national peace contracts and pledges. Additionally, civil society and women’s organizations within the Tugen community should focus on promoting sustainable peace networks. There is need for further research as to the degree of education and measured influence on peace programmes. There is also need for research on the influence women without formal education have on the success of peace programmes in the community.