The role of women in peace-building processes among refugees; A case of Kiryandongo refugee settlement

Abstract

The study focused on the role of adult women in the peace building processes among refugees; a case of Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, Kiryandongo District. The considered a time scope of five (5) years from 2016 up to 2020. It was guided by three objectives i.e. to determine the role of women as educators in the peace building process among refugees in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement; to examine the impact of women as peace activists in the peace building process among refugees in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement; and, to assess the contribution of women as mediators in the peace building process among refugees in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement. The study employed cross-sectional survey design using qualitative approaches of data collection. A total of 72 participants were reached using an interview guide. The study findings revealed that women were key subjects in the peace-building processes by virtue of their role as educators in various capacities such as heads of families assuming parenting roles of teaching or mentoring their children on the basic ways of life such as discipline and humility. From the study findings, it was established that women were instrumental in peace activism in refugee camps such as Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement through their respective cultural groups and clans. The study findings also revealed that women in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement were acting in the capacity of peace advocates in a bid to create or maintain peace in the refugee setting. It was recommended that there is need for UNHCR to strengthen the socio-cultural groups in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement to enable them fight for peace. There is a need to strengthen the women’s role as peace delegates, advocates and negotiators in the peace building process. The government and other responsible stakeholders should consider strengthening the footprint of women as political leaders. In conclusion, the study established that women were good peace activists in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement and the surrounding host communities. The study findings affirmed that women’s role in mediating peace was highly desired in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement and its surrounding host communities where women were obliged to create and or maintain peace through negotiations.