THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN MAINTAINING PEACE AMONG KAMBATA PEOPLE: A CASE STUDY OF KECHABIRA WOREDA, KAMBATA TAMBERO ZONE, SNNPRS, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Peace is the outcome of a conflict that has been creatively managed and transformed. Conflict management and transformation need meaningful participation of all stakeholders. Integrating gender perspectives into peace and conflict analysis is important component to ensure sustainable peace and stability in a society. Women as half portion of society, play significant role in maintaining peace and stability in the study community through customary conflict resolution mechanisms. This study was used a qualitative approach with case study research design to examine the role of women in maintaining peace among Kambata people a case study of Kechabira Woreda. The study employed purposive sampling technique to select participants. In this study, four (4) FGD and twelve (12) key informants participated. The study used both primary and secondary data by using focus group discussions, key informant interviews, non-participant observation, and document review as an instrument of data collection. The study used a qualitative method of data analysis and interpretation. The findings of the study reveal that women play an important role in maintaining peace in the study community through cultivating good human traits, managing family disputes, and transforming violent conflicts of the group. Also, the finding of the study indicate that gotchiyaa, gogotta, gudagambela, and marriage practices are customary conflict resolution institutions and socio-cultural practices through which women play a vital role in maintaining peace in the study community. Heera, Ikub, Daawwa, and Gejjaa are also community-based welfare organizations through which women play an important role in maintaining the economic reliability of the study community. The findings of the study show that institutional, social, economic, and cultural factors are persistent challenges that stymie active engagement of women in conflict transformation and decision-making in the study area. The study suggests that formal institutions should work in collaboration with customary institutions to ensure gender-integrated policy and to empower and legitimate women in conflict transformation and decision-making process.