Are Our Cultural Values Making Us Blind to the Role Women Play in Peacebuilding?

"Why are you talking to these women alone? Where are the men?"

A man stormed into the room, interrupting an ongoing peace circle session in Deng-jock payam of Akobo County. This wasn’t just any meeting—it was part of the Bridges of Peace (BOP) initiative, a space designed for women to connect, reflect, and engage in forward-thinking conversations around peacebuilding. Typically, each peace circle is facilitated by two facilitators and includes 13 members, with the goal of creating an intimate and safe environment. One of the facilitators calmly escorted the man out and took a moment to explain the purpose of the program, reassuring him that this was an intentional space for women.

Unfortunately, this encounter highlights an issue many women still face when it comes to engaging in peacebuilding activities: the widespread cultural perceptions that minimise or overlook the vital roles women play in fostering peace. These stereotypes are especially pronounced in rural communities, where traditional views on gender roles persist.

Deng-jock Payam borders Ethiopia and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA). Because of its location, the area faces constant security risks, including abduction and raids. Despite these challenges, the women of Deng-jock have become powerful agents of change, leading initiatives that have brought peace to their village.

In 2024, a conflict erupted between Deng-jock and the neighbouring payam, Gakdong. Tensions grew so high that basic activities like herding cattle and accessing water became nearly impossible. Men, unable to safely tend to their livestock, had to send children to do the job. Amidst this crisis, the women of Deng-jock acted. They organised a one-day dialogue with the women of Gakdong, seeking to build understanding and reconciliation. The result? A successful peace-building initiative that not only brought peace between the women but restored unity between the entire community. Soon, the men from both villages requested the women's help to facilitate peace talks. Together, women and men came to the table, and today, the two villages live in harmony.

‘I have never seen a peace initiative led by women that is successful’, remarked the man who stormed the ongoing peace circle session after the facilitator explained to him the rationale of having women alone. His words reflect a troubling reality: despite the proven success of women's peacebuilding efforts in Deng-jock, these accomplishments often go unrecognised and underutilised in peace efforts.

Why are women still being sidelined in peacebuilding conversations? Part of the answer lies in deeply ingrained cultural norms that limit women's roles in decision-making and leadership.

The Bridges of Peace sessions have a component that focuses on women as advocates for peace. This session resonated deeply with the Deng-jock women because they have seen their potential as catalysts for peaceful change within their communities.

While these sessions represent a small part of the larger challenge, for lasting peace to take root, cultural perceptions must evolve. We must recognise that peacebuilding isn’t a gendered activity—both men and women play essential roles in fostering peace. And as we move forward, it’s crucial that we not only celebrate but also empower women to continue their indispensable work in this field.