Examining Women’s Role in Conflict Resolution in Alamata Town, Ethiopia

摘要

The main objective of this study was to examine women’s role in conflict resolution in Alamata Town, Ethiopia. As women can have an important role in a country’s peace talks and conflict resolution, their involvement is much needed in order to lead Ethiopia forward. However, today, the role of women in conflict resolution is underappreciated and is still being undermined by traditionally male dominated political and socio-economic structure in Ethiopia in general, specifically in Alamata Town. Hence, one may ask whether women have been participated in conflict resolution to their full potential in the study area. The study therefore sought to examine the roles of women in conflict resolution in Alamata Town. In this study, qualitative research method was used. This study was conducted based on a descriptive research design. The target populations of this study were the women households who were working in conflict resolution in the study area. The study sampled 20 women households’ respondents selected through purposive sampling technique in the study area. The researcher employed both primary and secondary sources of data and the data was collected using focus group discussion and personal observation. The qualitatively data was analyzed and interpreted using content analysis. The study found out that women were actually involved, though not enough, in peace initiatives or conflict resolution situations in the Town. The study concluded that despite many challenges women faced, they were able to contribute significantly to conflict resolution activities in the study area. This paper therefore, recommended that gender sensitivity (perspectives) and inclusion need to be mainstreamed in all policy processes to assure and continue the productive involvement of women in resolving conflicts.