Women’s Involvement in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Ogoniland, Nigeria

Abstract

This research explored the involvement of women in conflict resolution and efforts toward peace in Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria, concentrating on the methods utilized by women-led groups and the necessary reforms to institutionalize their efforts. A descriptive survey method was utilized, combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, with 388 completed and returned, resulting in an impressive response rate of 97.0%, which bolsters the credibility of the results. The data were examined through frequencies, percentages, mean values, and standard deviations. Results indicated that women made up a significant portion of participants (75.8%), showcasing robust female participation in peace- oriented endeavors. The age breakdown revealed that 86.3% of those surveyed were aged between 26 and 65 years, indicating that seasoned individuals play a pivotal role in shaping peacebuilding initiatives. Additionally, findings demonstrated that primary methods adopted by women-led organizations like FOWA and OFYDF include peace education (25.8%), advocacy and engagement with stakeholders (25.5%), community mediation (24.7%), and peaceful protests (24.0%). These results highlight that women predominantly employ non-violent, participatory, and community-centric methods. The average scores (2.3892–2.6005) reflect slight consensus on women's active involvement in mediation, reconciliation, and peace fostering, especially at the domestic level (mean = 2.6005). Nonetheless, institutional acknowledgement remains insufficient. Identified obstacles encompass cultural opposition (mean = 2.4768), inadequate funding (mean = 2.4768), and patriarchal barriers (mean = 2.4588). The study concludes that although women fulfill important informal roles in conflict mediation, their contributions are not sufficiently institutionalized. Recommendations include policy reforms aimed at increasing women's representation in decision-making roles and bolstering capacity-building programs. The findings add to the existing empirical knowledge concerning gender and peacebuilding in the Niger Delta and underline the importance of inclusive governance models for lasting peace.

References