Role of Women in Peace Building in Zambia: Case of Northern Province

Abstract

Purpose: Women have contributed to peace building in different ways. However, the contribution appeared to have been underplayed in many societies. It is for this reason that this study sought to bring out the modern-day nature of the role played by women in peace building in Zambia – a case of Northern Province. The objectives of the study were to: to identify situations that called for peace building; to determine the role played by women in situations that needed peace building; and to determine the challenges of women involvement in peace building situations in Northern Province since 1964.
 Methodology: The study used Mixed-method design. This was done over a population comprising traders, teachers, medical staff, village headmen and villagers. A sample size of 150 respondents was used. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while the quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS.
 Findings: The study revealed that women have played an important role in peace-building. However, lack of women involvement in peace building was caused by lack of: biblical understanding; or low education; respect for human rights; interest and self-confidence by the women themselves; and lack of interest by the women themselves and obstruction by systems and laws.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practices: The study reaffirmed the importance of women participation in peace-building and politics. Chiefdom wrangles during succession periods and land disputes; and electoral violence were the major sources of large-scale conflict in Northern Province. Respondents revealed that they observed people at community levels were engaged in peace building consciously or unconsciously. Institutions such as the local authorities and private sector responded they practiced peace building. As a contribution to theory, the study revealed that conflict at lower levels of society can be more lasting and intense in countries that have not experienced countrywide conflict. The study reaffirmed the challenges hindering women participation in peace building in Zambia. This will empower practitioners with a better understanding of issues affecting women in rural Zambia. Policy makers can make use of the findings of the study to devise ways of preventing the contextual challenges women face in the process.