Societal Norms: Dissecting the Traditional Role of Women

Social norms and cultural barriers are central in shaping the role that women traditionally play in Subsaharan Africa. For example, in Rwanda, a landlocked republic in east-central Africa, the traditional role of women involves specific labour and social functions (Britannica). These are rooted in their personal relationships, which were impacted severely by the establishment of the Rwandan monarchy near the end of the 18th century. Further, German and Belgian colonialists exacerbated the preexisting divisions, particularly gender-based differentiations, in the nation. After Rwanda gained independence in 1962, women were entirely marginalized and had access to nearly no rights. As a result, females became reliant on men. Despite these economic and social changes, during the post-conflict reconstruction, several women-based organizations contributed to building security, facilitating reconciliation, and tolerance in the region between differing ethnic groups. For example, the Rwandan Women Leaders’ Caucus aimed to bridge the gap between political and ethnic boundaries.

 

Participation of Rwandan women in peace building is based on a confluence of their unique position as mediators in tribes as well as formal opportunities to pursue political interests.

 

The participation of women and their mediating and conciliating role will not only help to foster peace, but to create a sustainable peace in regions with friction which can lead to the development of a stable, secure, and equitable society and civil realm.

Obstacles in Labour Force Participation

Along with social norms and beliefs, participation in the labor force is another prominent indicator in women’s economic and political empowerment (Ouida et al. 2017). Across sub-Saharan Africa, women's economic empowerment is weakened by reduced access to education for young girls, cultural practices (such as the traditional role of women to focus on domestic work,) customs that legally challenge women from owning properties, as well as workplace sexual harassment. 

 

These significant challenges disadvantage women in more ways than one. Difficulties in the labour market or the lead-up to participation in the labour market reduces the overall advancement, acquisition of hard and soft skills, and access to markets for women and girls in the region. This further impedes the ability for women to gain professional development skills and credibility that could potentially contribute to their ability to participate in peace building activities within the region.

 

Restricted Access to Infrastructure, Sanitation, and Community Safety

As many as 38,000 fatalities occur each month due to the ongoing conflict in the Congo, where most deaths occur as a result of limited access to food and healthcare (Zimbabwe: Getting the Transition Back on Track). The country hosts significantly weakened and abusive state institutions, which often abuse human rights in the region. A confluence of armed militias and regular foreign interventions leaves the Congo with significant uncertainty.

 

Women in the Congo have registered themselves and voted in large numbers. They have also “secured commitments on paper for greater roles in governance,” (International Crisis Group 2006). However, in practice they remain severely under-represented. Violence against them, often rape, is far too common and widespread. This is not restricted to the women in Congo. In fact, research conducted in the provinces of South Kivu and Maniema, Goma and Kalemie between 1998 and 2003, reveal that according to the U.S. Agency for International Development, more than 51,000 rapes have occurred (International Crisis Group 2006). Alarmingly, these numbers are perceived as underestimated and underreported due to the stigma that is often associated with rape and its victims. attached to rape means it is severely underreported.

 

In conclusion, without active political representation to combat the militia, threats to the safety of women, and instability in the region, women will continue to suffer disproportionately from the impacts of this conflict. This will harm their potential to grow into peace builders who are secure, safe, and healthy themselves.