Women and Dispute Resolution: The ‘Isu-Aefifia’ Method in Item Community of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the involvement of women of Item in Bende LGA of Abia State, Nigeria using the ‘isu-aefifia’ technique in conflict resolution. Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data was from interview while secondary data were collected from textbooks, peer-reviewed journals articles, among others. 30 people were interviewed and data was content analyzed. The study observed that while conflicts are part of human existence, some unscrupulous people who benefit from it, may not want it to end. Most importantly, because of the patriarchal nature of the Nigerian society, women are hardly included in the affairs of the community when it comes to serious matters such as dispute resolution or management because of their perceived feminine nature. However, the ‘isu-aefifia’ approach used by women has become a veritable tool for dispute resolution in Item Bende LGA. It is recommended that other communities explore the method of conflict resolution.