Religious peace builders: an evaluation of Muslim women leaders’ initiatives in Kampala district

Abstract

To harness the full potential of religion as a catalyst for promoting stability and resilience in communities, achieving gender-inclusivity in religious peace building is crucial. The complexities of contemporary conflicts acknowledge the necessity of a multi-actor approach and the inclusion of non-state, middle-range stakeholders such as women whose participation has been shown to provide a robust foundation for conflict management in its early stages. This study explored religious peace building through the lens of Muslim women faith leaders’ initiatives in Kampala district. The study aimed to highlight the work of women peace builders operating at grassroots level. The research examined the role of Muslim women faith leaders affiliated with two Islamic institutions, evaluated their peace building initiatives, identified gaps in their current and potential peace building capacities, and developed strategies to enhance their participation in peace building. The study employed a qualitative research design, using interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary analysis to collect data. The study found that Muslim women faith leaders in Kampala district are involved in grassroots peace building initiatives such as mediation, reconciliation, dialogue, trauma healing, charity work, and preaching albeit their limited decision-making powers and under-representation in leadership positions at Islamic institutions. The study identified obstacles to their participation that range from societal and religious norms restricting women from public work, competing domestic demands, weak administrative and management structures of Islamic institutions, and limited knowledge of peace processes. To enhance their agency, the study recommends building their capacity in leadership, peace building and networking. Also vital, is to avail financial support for their peace building engagements.