| dc.description.abstract | This study examined the role of women's participation in peace-building on land-related conflicts in Thagicu Sub-County, Kitui County, Kenya, from 1990 to 2024, addressing the problem of women's exclusion from formal peace processes despite their disproportionate vulnerability to land disputes. The research explored three specific objectives: to analyze the underlying causes of land conflict, to assess hindrances to women's participation in peace-building, and to investigate the nature and extent of
women's participation in peace-building in land-related conflicts in Thagicu Sub County. Chapter One outlined the background, highlighting women's exclusion from peace negotiations as noted by UN Security Council Resolution 1325, with socio cultural determinants limiting their participation. The study focused on Thagicu Sub County, a region marred by land conflicts due to resource competition and politics, with the 1990–2024 period selected as 1990 marked political realignments influencing land
policies, while 2024 provided contemporary perspectives under devolved governance. Chapter Two reviewed global and African literature on women's peace-building roles, emphasizing gender as a social construct and the undervaluation of women's contributions in conflict resolution. Chapter Three employed a descriptive research design, enriched by Conflict Theory and Realistic Conflict Theory. Primary data was collected from 50 respondents through open- and closed-ended questionnaires (30 respondents), interviews (10 key informants), and focus group discussions (10 participants), selected using a combination of purposive (targeting women peace builders and administrators) and random sampling (general community members) for comprehensive representation.The findings revealed women in Thagicu needed active involvement in peace-building but were primarily engaged in informal processes, with only 15% in formal peace committees. The study recommended government policies integrating women into key land dispute resolution committees and clear land policies to ensure sustainable peace in Thagicu Sub-County. These insights contribute new scholarly knowledge by documenting women's underutilized roles in rural Kenyan peace-building, informing gender-inclusive strategies for conflict resolution. | en_US |
