Akudo Chinedu Ojoh

Southeastern Nigerian Women in Peacebuilding and Development: Gender, Peacebuilding & Development Akudo Chinedu Ojoh

There has been remarkable transformation about the role of women in the society globally. Resounding awareness is being created all over the world in respect to redefining the role of women, and in incorporating gender perspective in all policies and their implementation. Therefore, it is high time that women are viewed as equal partners in peacebuilding and development, and not only re-emphasizing their victimhood as a result of the violence they experience. Women build peace and contribute immensely to the development of their communities across Nigeria. However, they are seriously underrepresented in the society, and have limited decision-making power with regards to issues that affect their lives. Consequently, the positive impact they make is often not recognised. Since gender roles accord them less power, they mobilize themselves and struggle to overcome considerable discriminations against them in order to make greater impact. This research focused on the role played by Southeastern Nigerian women in peacebuilding and development. The main purpose of this work is to encourage maximum efforts in the empowerment of women in the region in particular, and in Nigeria in general.