Women in Conflict Mediation and Peacebuilding among the Tiv and Jukun in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Inter-group relations in Wukari Local Government Area, particularly between Tiv/ Jukun have assumed the same disturbing dimension over the years. This is the essence of the study women in conflict mediation and peacebuilding among the Tiv-Jukun in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, North East Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to assess the involvement of women in conflict mediation and peacebuilding and to identify sociocultural barriers affecting women's engagement in conflict mediation and peacebuilding among the Tiv-Jukun in Wukari society of Taraba State. The study which was qualitative, relied on secondary literary sources, including peer-reviewed publications, websites, and eBooks. It adopted the Systems theory to explain women’s role in conflict mediation and peacebuilding among the Tiv-Jukun in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. Findings revealed a general lack of involvement of women in conflict mediation and peacebuilding; also, patriarchy, cultural and social norms, gender roles, discrimination inhibit women’s engagement in conflict mediation and peacebuilding among both ethnic groups. The study concluded that women have non engagements in formal conflict mediation and peacebuilding; also, sociocultural barriers arising from religious, cultural and social norms inhibit women's engagement in conflict mediation and peacebuilding. It recommended that the Traditional Authority in Wukari can revive, re-invent the traditional roles of Magajiya, Mutsi, (Women leader); and Wakuku, head of Ayokus i.e. (head of the King’s wives); to become functional institutions in traditional administration as in pre-colonial period