Conflict refers to when the goals or interests of two or more people are incompatible; thus, it is inevitable because it is hinged on the human perspective of the occurrences around them, which are likely to vary, though sometimes it is intentionally instigated by humanity. Conflict, though unavoidable, violence is, however, a choice, and women and children are the most susceptible to the effects of the violence itself.
Before we try to solve a problem, it is paramount that we first understand and define the problem, which is, in this case, “Violence.” Violence is any action intended to cause destruction, pain, or suffering. Several types of violence are direct, structural, and lateral violence. Direct violence is physically manifested in the victim, for example, beating, killing, maiming and sexual assault. Structural violence refers to systematic ways social structures harm or disadvantage others. It entails unequal distribution of power and resources, resulting in benefits for some and disadvantages for others, for example, unequal treatment of workers. Violence can be gender-based as that suffered mainly by women, that is, the breaching of their fundamental rights to life, liberty, dignity, security, equality between men and women, and physical and mental integrity.
Women are very much susceptible to all the forms of violence mentioned above. Violence can occur at any level, from household to national level. The impact of such behaviours is entirely of higher severity on women. Women are the ones left to take care of families in the outbreak of war. Most refugees deployed to other countries are women and children. Self-esteem has been lost, and careers jeopardized by Sexual violence. Lives have been lost to physical abuse. The voices of many have been silenced, and many have accepted this life of being engulfed in fear and dread of speaking up.
I highly recognise and commend the work being done by the government and other organizations to fight against violence and conflict against women; however, I like to believe that women, too, should be vastly involved in peace-building and conflict resolution. They deserve a seat on the negotiating table. Women are in a better position to express themselves because men and women perceive violence differently. Many times, statistically, women have been brought forward just as victims of violence and never looked at from the lens of being potential peacebuilders.
The inclusion of women in peace-building aligns with the United Nations Security Council 1325, which promotes gender equality and affirms women’s participation, protection, and rights across the conflict cycle from conflict prevention to post-conflict reconstruction and peace-building. This is supported by SDG goal 5, aimed at achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. SDG goal 16 promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, justice for all, and effective inclusive institutions at all levels.
I vividly remember a story shared by a girl at our institution whom her old uncle and older men sexually assaulted. The heads of the family resolved to conceal the matter to protect the family’s dignity. Many times, women are afraid to speak up against violence posed by close family members due to fear of being stripped of financial support, as most men are breadwinners. When we are afraid, we go quiet. Thus, in an era where people prefer to protect institutions instead of the rights of individuals, women are needed more than ever to stand up for themselves and be the ones to tell their stories.
All this can be achieved through women’s empowerment socially, economically, and politically. One can never be effective in something they don’t know. This is true, too, regarding the inclusion of women in peace-building. Women ought to be educated about their rights and raised awareness of the resources and services that are available to them. Vocational training programmes in different skill areas must be readily available and accessible for women to promote entrepreneurship and financial freedom. Women should be involved in decision-making from the household to the national level.
I firmly believe that when women are meaningfully integrated into peace-building processes, we stand a better chance at long-term social, economic, and political stability. Let’s, therefore, strive together to create environments where women feel seen, safe, and supported to encourage further participation in alleviating the issues affecting them from the household to the global level. Nothing for her without her; thus, let’s involve her.
WRITTEN BY HAZEL N. DUBE