Women in Conflict Mediation and Peacebuilding Among the Tiv/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 on 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, assess the involvement of women in conflict mediation and peacebuilding; identify sociocultural barriers impacting women's engagement in conflict mediation and peacebuilding among the Tiv-Jukun in Wukari society of Taraba State. The qualitative study 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, and discrimination inhibit women’s engagement in conflict mediation and peacebuilding among both ethnic groups. The study concluded that women have no engagement in formal conflict mediation and peacebuilding; also, sociocultural barriers arising from religious, cultural, and social normsinhibit women's engagement in conflict mediation and peacebuilding. It is 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 the pre-colonial period. 

Keywords: Conflict, Mediation, Peacebuilding.