Benue State University, Makurdi

THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND MITIGATION IN BENUE STATE

Godwin Aondongu Akpehe Ph.D., Esther Seember Pinga and Sebastian Okechukwu Onah Ph.D.

Abstract

The increasing spate of armed conflict in Benue State – Nigeria has not only increased the level of vulnerability among women but has also prompted their active involvement and participation in conflict management and peace building mechanisms thereby making them indispensable critical stakeholders. This paper therefore assesses the effectiveness of the role women play in conflict resolution and mitigation with particular focus on Benue State. Data for the study was sourced from 400 respondents using semi-structured questionnaires (SSI) and key informant interviews (KII). The gathered data was analysed both quantitatively and quantitatively. The findings of the study revealed that women play very important roles in conflict resolution and mitigation in Benue State. They are the ones who inculcate the culture of peace into children at the family level; early detection and prompt settlement of conflicts; and welfare services for conflict victims. It also shows that women are counselors and advocate for peace amongst other roles. Despite these, the level of effectiveness of the roles women play in conflict management was found out to be moderately high due to certain constraints such as culture and belief system, poverty, exclusion from decision making processes and lack of women friendly policies among others. The study recommends reorientation and sensitization of communities especially leaders and youths; empowerment of women in all areas of life; formulation and implementation of women friendly policies as well as conflict detection and prevention skills for women as some of the strategies to ensure effectiveness of women’s role in conflict mitigation.

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