Women’s Agency in Peacebuilding in Polarized Post-Conflict Communities in Plateau State, Nigeria

Citation:

Bulus, Kwopnan Ibrahim, Feyza Bhatti, and Cemaliye Beysoylu. 2020. "Women’s Agency in Peacebuilding in Polarized Post-Conflict Communities in Plateau State, Nigeria." Journal of Politics and Law 13 (2): 189-200.

Authors: Kwopnan Ibrahim Bulus, Feyza Bhatti, Cemaliye Beysoylu

Abstract:

Over the last two decades, while significant consideration is given to women’s participation and representation in formal peacebuilding processes, there is the dearth of research on the grassroots level involvement and contributions of women to peacebuilding processes in post-conflict communities. Utilizing 28 semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions with women in Bukuru and Gyel communities, this article aims at improving the understandings on the agency of women in building and sustaining peace in polarized post-conflict communities in Plateau State, Nigeria. The article argues that in spite of the global marginalisation of women in formal peace processes, women are actively involved in peacebuilding and use various forms of individual and collective agency to restore harmonious relations, build peace and foster social cohesion in polarized post-conflict communities.

Keywords: peacebuilding, women's agency, bottom-up peacebuilding, social cohesion

Topics: Gender, Women, Post-Conflict, Peacebuilding, Peace Processes Regions: Africa, West Africa Countries: Nigeria

Year: 2020