Women in Conflict Management Following the 2007/2008 post Election Violence in Kakamega County: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

In most African societies women are discrimination against in terms of participation in decision making.  This situation becomes worse in times of conflict where women are sidelined in conflict management and yet they are the major victims. They are physically and sexually abused, and end up in refugee camps with their children.  The 2007/2008 Post-Election Violence (PEV) marked one of the darkest period in Kenya's history characterized by widespread killings and destruction of property in many parts of the country including Kakamega County. The overall objective of this study was to establish the challenges experienced by women in conflict management following the 2007/2008 post-election violence in Kakamega County and the prospects. The study was conducted in three Sub-Counties of Kakamega County, thus Kakamega Central, Lugari and Mumias West which were intensely affected by the PEV. Questionnaires, interviews, and observation methods were used to collect primary data while secondary data was obtained through analysis of documents and reports from relevant offices, library and internet. The main respondents were 384 household heads, while key informants were 38 head teachers of primary schools, 33 Community Based Organizations (CBO) heads and 9 Assistant Commissioners. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential and the results obtained were presented using tables, graphs, pie charts, maps, figures chi-square and thematic narrative technique. The study revealed that women had a well-designed work-plan for conflict management following the 2007/2008 PEV and did this through various strategies among them peace talks, peace matches, counselling, and civic education. However, implementation of this work-plan was deterred by a number of factors among them financial constraints, unresolved land issues, political incitement, lack of grass root support and lack of genuine desire to bring peace by some peace building groups. The study recommended enhancing capacities by dealing with root causes of conflicts, strengthening security personnel and promotion of national cohesion. Legislative and other barriers for women's participation in conflict management should be removed to allow them to participate fully. The study further recommended provision of education, technical and financial support to women as key in empowering them for conflict management.