The Role of Women in Peace-Building: A Focus on Kibera after the 2007-2008 Post-Election Violence

Peace-building researches in Kenya have not adequately recognized women and the importance of their contributions to building peace among conflict parties. This study explores the role of women in Kibera in bringing and sustaining peace i n Kenya in the aftermath of 2007-2008 post-election violence. Kibera is a slum area located about 5km from Nairobi city center with approximately I million people. Constituting the largest slum in Africa. Kenya has enjoyed relative peace and stability in Africa in its post¬ colonial history when compared to most countries in the inter-locking Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region. Women’s role in peace-building process is multidimensional and sometimes literally invisible as they are considered to be supportive rather than central to the process. Thus. there is need to document the nature of women’s role in peace­ building, especially from a traditional mechanism point of view to provide an insight into the factors hampering their participation in peace-building. As well as the challenges. Best practices and recommendations for integration into global peace initiatives. To achieve the objectives of the study. A number of women ·s networks. NGOs and focus groups in Kibera were identified as the units of study. In-depth interviews, questionnaires. key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used as methods of data collection. Data analysis was both qualitative and quantitative. Using Microsoft Excel Package. Data presentation was in form of tables to help interpret findings and generate useful problem- solving oriented conclusions. The study found out that Historical Injustice. Land and Ethnicity are the main triggers of the various conflicts that have affected women in the study locations. By analyzing the role of women in peace-building, the study demonstrates that women inclusion in peace-building is an integral component in improving the effectiveness of conflict resolutions and integration for future peace programmes.