The role of women in peacebuilding: a case study of Coalition for Action (CoACT) on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) in Uganda

Abstract

This research examined the role of women in peacebuilding using a case study of Coalition for Action (CoAct) on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) in Uganda. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to assess women’s participation and involvement in the peacebuilding processes in Uganda; to highlight the peacebuilding efforts and initiatives spearheaded by women under CoACT on UNSCR 1325 in Uganda; and to establish the major challenges women face in peacebuilding processes in Uganda. The study employed a qualitative research approach with an exploratory case study design. A total of 45 respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The study used thematic and narrative analyses to analyse the data. The study found that there are several approaches to peacebuilding that women use to occupy various spaces for their participation in peacebuilding at different levels. Women have participated in peacebuilding through informal and formal ways, manifesting their presence at international, regional, and local/grassroot levels. The findings also showed that women spearhead some peacebuilding efforts and initiatives in Uganda. The different peacebuilding efforts include Coalition for Action on 1325 (CoACT), Lango Women Clan Leaders Association (LWCLA), Lira Rural Women and Children Development Initiative (LIRWOCDI), Teso Women Peace Activists (TEWPA) and Kasese National Women's Exchange (KANWE). The study findings indicate that there are challenges women face in peacebuilding, and they include limited women representation at the grassroots, lack of sustainable funding, cultural and patriarchal systems that influence power sharing, women's oppression, and gender inequality.