WOMEN IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AMONG THE GONJA IN YAPEI, NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

As a global problem, the United Nations, NGOs, civil society organizations and other stakeholders have taken steps to prevent, minimize and find solutions to conflicts worldwide, through advocacy for peace or passing resolutions as measures to protect civilian population especially women and children who are most affected. Although most of these resolutions have favoured women, they are usually left out or insignificantly represented when it comes to peacebuilding process. Hence, the study examines and investigates the role of women in conflict management/resolution among Gonjas in Yapei in the Central Gonja District in Northern Ghana. A descriptive and cross-sectional study with Cochran s formula was used to estimate the sample size. A blend of both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used to obtain results. Data collection tools used in the study included questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Both primary and secondary sources of data collection were used. Findings of the study showed that, there were two destructive conflicts in Yapei which were intra-ethnic conflicts. Notwithstanding the significant role culture played in the exclusion of women in conflict management/resolution in the community, women play important roles (indoor) in peace-building. However, mixed reactions on women involvement in conflict managementlresolution activities were realised. It is believed that men feel weak and intimidated to bring in women to take decisions on conflict. Aside this, the study also revealed that, there were some indigenous strategies used in conflict management/resolution in Yapei that include women persuading and influencing men to maintain peace in Yapei mediation by local traditional elders, preaching of religious leaders and family heads controlling their respective families to maintain peace in the area. The study concludes that there is the need for government to support women empowerment and involvement in peace building programmes and activities. Policy makers need to understand and appreciate the important role women play during conflict and including them in their policy framework could lead to a conflict-free environment.