Building Women’s Capacity for Peace building in Nigeria

Abstract

Since the adoption of the United Nation Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in 2000 by the UN, considerable work has been done regarding the effects of conflict on Nigerian women as well as the full inclusion of women in all peace building processes, Much of this work has been done within the academia and by other institutions concerned with women, peace and conflict. However not much has been done on building the capacity of women towards their ‘full participation’ in formal peace building processes in developing countries. This study established that there exists a gap between women’s participation in informal peace processes and formal processes; hence the focus of this paper is to consider and highlight a range of ways in which women’s capacity can be developed so that their full inclusion in all peace building processes can be achieved. The scope of the study is limited to Northern Nigeria, which has been most affected by violent conflicts in the past two decades. Through the review of related literature, the study contended that the patriarchal culture in Northern Nigeria is the foundation of women’s bondage which is responsible for their lack of education, empowerment, participation in politics etc, and ultimately their exclusion from the peace table. The findings show that when these obstacles are removed in ways recommended there in, women’s potentials are developed and their capacities enhanced for their full and meaningful participation in all peace building processes towards a more sustainable peace.