WOMEN, COMMUNITY PEACEBUILDING, AND STRUCTURAL EXCLUSION IN NIGERIA: PROSPECTS AND PERSISTENT BARRIERS

Abstract

Over the decades, the role of women has not been overemphasised at home or in
society. Their various engagements in restoring social order after conflict, through resilience and
leadership in grassroots peace initiatives and peacebuilding, are remarkable. Nevertheless, their
efforts are often undermined by systemic barriers that limit their access to efficient governance and
peace-making mechanisms. Women are often excluded from major decision-making processes,
thereby relegating their roles in peacebuilding. Patriarchy has eaten deep into the Nigerian system,
which has majorly hindered the comprehensive participation of women in the peace process. This
study used data from public documents and the extant literature, including journal articles and
books, to highlight initiatives undertaken by women to advance peace in society. The study notes
that the patriarchal system, social and gender norms, are major challenges that hinder women's
participation in societal affairs. The paper submits that engaging key stakeholders and
implementing conventional instruments, such as Sustainable Development Goal 5, are necessary
for an inclusive decision-making process on peace-making, peace-thinking, and peacebuilding at
both the formal and informal levels of Nigeria's peace process.