Women and peacebuilding in Northern Nigeria, 1952-2018

Abstract

The participation of women in peacebuilding in Northern Nigeria has been underrated and understudied, despite their unsung contribution. This study sought to examine and historicise the role that women played in building peace in the regions since the 1950s. The study was guided by four objectives, namely, tracing the role of women’s peacebuilding activism in Northern Nigeria from 1952-1979, exploring women’s peacebuilding initiatives in religious and tribal conflicts in Northern Nigeria, 1980 – 2018; interrogating women’s peacebuilding initiatives in the Boko Haram conflict, land contestations and during the Zaria massacre in 2015. Finally, the study analysed the role of women’s Inter-faith peacebuilding in Northern Nigeria, 1992-2018. The study used a qualitative approach, largely drawing on interviews and documentary analysis. It was conducted in Borno, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau and Taraba States of Northern Nigeria. Anchored in the theory of feminist peace, the study shows that women participated in peacebuilding and, as such, they are not helpless victims of conflict, but rather peacebuilders. They became pillars of conflict resolution and assumed peace advocacy roles. The study recommends more participation and engagement of women in peacebuilding activities as a way to addressing conflicts in Northern Nigeria and beyond.