International Journal of Gender & Women's Studies

Gender Responsive Strategies to Foster Equal Participation of Men and Women in Resolution of Conflicts Using ADR Mechanisms in Mt. Elgon Region, Bungoma County, Kenya
Benson Mutuku, Anja Krumeich, Jane Alaii, Borne, Bart van den, Ingrid Westendorp

Abstract
This article discusses gender responsive strategies that foster equal participation of men and women in the resolution of conflicts using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms in the Mt. Elgon region, in Bungoma County, Kenya. Despite the adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, UN resolution 1325 on gender equality in peacebuilding, and the fact that ADR mechanisms are normally considered participatory and inclusive in Kenya, they are still primarily male dominated. This article used a qualitative research method whereby data was collected through interviews and Focus Group Discussions as well as desk review. Findings from the study suggest that men continue to dominate; hence, have an upper hand regarding participation in conflict resolution using ADR mechanisms for a variety of reasons, including long standing traditional practices, lack of formal and/or informal education, to mention few. The Kenyan context in general and in the Mt. Elgon region, in Bungoma, is no different. To mainstream gender equality in the resolution of community conflicts through ADR, this article proposes the enactment of the Two-thirds Gender Rule by Parliament, the provision of education to both men and women to empower and sensitize them to work toward ending long standing practices that sustain gender inequalities and the establishment of gender sensitive peace committees in the region.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijgws.v10n2a8