Strategies for mainstreaming gender in peacebuilding: A case of Laikipia West Constituency, Kenya

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the best strategies for gender responsive peacebuilding in Laikipia West Constituency. The study was carried out in Laikipia West constituency guided by the feminist conflict resolution using exploratory research design. A combination of purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 44 respondents drawn from local peace committees and peace ambassadors and 11 key informants namely government officials, County Gender Officer and St. Martin Community Programme for Peace and Reconciliation staff and Caritas Peace Programme staff. Data was collected using questionnaires and key informant interview guides, and review of secondary data such as annual reports, articles, and websites. Qualitative data was summarized and organized in thematic areas and presented in text forms while quantitative data was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Science Version 16 and presented in tables, graphs and charts. The study established that limited information on gender mainstreaming, retrogressive cultural practices, gender-based violence and inadequate resources hinder gender mainstreaming in peacebuilding activities in Laikipia. The study concludes that concluded that gender mainstreaming in peace-building initiatives in Laikipia West Constituency is moderate despite increased efforts to ensure the involvement of men, boys, girls and women. Further, there is need for more community-led peacebuilding activities and enhanced peace education programmes in schools that will make peace sustainable.