Women and peacebuilding in postconflict African states

Abstract

This chapter explores the major arguments in the women and peacebuilding literature regarding the role that women play in peacebuilding and postconflict reconstruction processes in African states, most notably, the essentialist and constructivist arguments regarding women's motivation and inclination for peacebuilding. It sheds light on the impact of international development discourse in shaping the peacebuilding agenda and how the patriarchy inherent in the neoliberal peacebuilding model limits the potential for women's participation in sustainable and structural social change during the postconflict era. This analysis reveals that although women tend to be unheard by mainstream peacebuilding initiatives, they are very active in grassroots peacebuilding and demonstrate a great deal of agency in their peacebuilding work. Women organizations build networks that often transcend ethnic, geographical, and religious lines, making their peacebuilding activities a crucial element in sustainable peace. This chapter argues that the various peacebuilding strategies employed by women should redefine the peacebuilding model in order to achieve more meaningful and sustainable peace throughout the African continent.