By Monica Nashon
For a long time, women in Gusii region, just like in many other traditional communities, were confined to the kitchen.
Despite this long held belief, women played a critical role in championing and fostering a peaceful and cohesive society.
As years go by, modernity continues to blend fairly well with tradition with women being key players in peace making and conflict resolution.
This despite the many challenges that stand on their way, yet the women are not about to bow out.
The evolving legal and social landscape, particularly under the current constitutional order, coupled with women’s incorporation in the community’s Council of Elders, has reshaped this role, granting women more formal recognition in governance and dispute resolution processes.
The council’s Kisii Central branch chairman, Jacob Moenga, says women play a pivotal role in peace making processes within families and the broader the society.
Moenga points out that women particularly mother-in-laws, have long been seen as the peacemakers within households.
“When a husband and wife fight, they always turn to their mother in law for mediation. It is she who can settle the dispute and restore peace,” said Moenga.
This traditional role places women at the heart of some conflicts where their influence often extends beyond the household.
Over time, women’s wisdom, patience and mediation skills have been indispensable in maintaining social harmony.
The Constitution of Kenya (CoK) 2010 expanded women’s rights and participation in various sectors including land ownership and governance.
It also brought about new dynamics in both family and community conflicts.
Moenga notes that while the Constitution has ushered in positive changes, particularly in granting women the right to own land, it has also led to an increase of disputes.
“The allocation of land to women has sometimes led to conflicts, as it challenges old traditions and norms,” he said.
A changing landscape
The Constitution is a landmark document that enshrines gender equality and grants women the same legal rights as men, particularly in areas like inheritance, property ownership and political participation.
Interviews show that these reforms have significantly altered the landscape of conflict resolution in Gusii, where women are now formally recognized as key stakeholders in resolving disputes.
Unlike before, Moenga says that women now play a critical role in governance structures such as the Supreme Council of Elders, where they are given equal voice alongside men.
Some of the notable female figures in the Council include Florence Manduku and Mary Ratemo, who have contributed to bringing peace and promoting dialogue in their communities.
“Women have been given equal opportunities to voice their opinions and contribute to decision making,” he said.
“Since women began sitting at the table and engaging in discussions, the society has seen a significant change.”
The shift has not only contributed to more inclusive decision making but also created a more balanced approach to conflict resolution.
Their voices at the Supreme Council of Elders are heard with the same respect as those of their male counterparts, an achievement that was unimaginable a few decades ago.
Cascaded impact
At the grassroots level, women have continued to serve as mediators in community disputes.
Ratemo who is a senior elder in the council’s Kisii Central branch says that men alone cannot handle some issues and “sometimes it takes the presence of a woman to ensure that some issues are resolved amicably.”
She pointed out that women have contributed to peace building by offering unique insights and fostering dialogues in tense situations.
“The shift in gender dynamics within the council has been a welcome change,” Ratemo who is one of the three women in the council of elders alongside eight men says.
“We are treated equally, there is no discrimination like in the past,” she said reflecting on the progress made under the current constitutional order.
However, she acknowledged that there is still work to be done to ensure greater representation and involvement of women in senior positions.
Despite the key advances made by women in conflict resolution, some challenges abound, one of them being inadequate resources.
Village elders
In current times, women are involved in administration of communities, from the level or village elder upwards.
There are several villages in Kisii whose elders are women, and the same applies to sub-locations and locations.
Angelina Masese, a village elder from Bobaracho area says, “Whenever there is a dispute, we go as team of two or three people, usually a woman and a man, to resolve it.”
However, lack of financial support often hinders the elders’ ability to carry out their duties effectively.
“We don’t get payment for the work we do, and we ask the government to fulfill promises made to us regarding paying for the work we do,” she added.
The prevailing situation of work without pay highlights the need for stronger institutional support and recognition of the critical role women play in maintaining peace and order.
Other barriers
Multiple interviews in Kisii show that as the role of women in conflict resolution continues to evolve, there are still barriers to full participation.
Empowering women with the necessary resources, training and institutional support is critical for further strengthening their role in peace building.
Moenga notes that women participation in conflict resolution in Gusii and beyond should extend to all social, economic and political facets.
“The Bible says that whoever finds a good wife finds a good thing in life,” says Moenga, suggesting that women’s contributions to peace are invaluable not only at the home but also the wider society.
He adds that encouraging more women to step forward, take leadership roles, and seek positions of influence within the community and governance structures will be key to sustaining the positive changes that have already been seen.