An Appraisal of the Role of Women in Indigenous Peace-building Process in Ethiopia: Experience of Siinqee Practice from West Arsi Zone in Oromia Region

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to critically examine the role of women in the peace-building process in Ethiopia by taking the experience of Siinqee practice from the west Arsi zone in the Oromia region. A qualitative research approach was employed. The data was gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews by identifying relevant and appropriate samples through purposive sampling techniques. The finding of this study shows that the role of women in nurturing indigenous peacebuilding in the past time was very strong as compared to the current time. Women contributed a lot in mitigating the severity of conflict at the grassroots level and realizing social transformation. Nevertheless, challenges from religion, the politicization of culture, the passiveness of youth, and limitation of knowledge on the nature of the Gada system, cultural transformation, and censuring of the role of women in peacebuilding are hindering the futurity of women's status in indigenous peacebuilding along with their representation. Although there are such challenges, women are currently playing their part in nurturing indigenous peace-building mechanisms though it is too limited compared to the past. The study concludes that strengthening the office that works on women empowerment in the indigenous culture of peacebuilding, strengthening the current women association on the practice of Siinqee, conducting integrated awareness creations, giving continuous capacity building training for women to ensure the continuity of the culture to ensure the culture of peace and non-violent conflict resolution needs to be implemented by all stakeholders.