Programme Manager for Eastern and Central Africa, Interpeace
After completion of my MA in Development and Peacebuilding, I returned to Kenya and joined an International peacebuilding organization called International Peacebuilding Alliance (Interpeace). Interpeace is affiliated to the UN.
This organization primarily works with local actors to ensure that peace processes go beyond the small political elite and engage a broader spectrum of the society. It uses Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology in its interaction with the communities. (This is enshrined in CJP’s research methodologies.) However, the interface between theory and practice (as learned in CJP’s Practice Institute) is also stressed here, and the application of necessary skills comes in handy.
Currently, I am the Programme Manager for Eastern and Central Africa on strengthening the role of women in peacebuilding and decision making through participatory processes, enhancing women’s participation in decision-making spheres both locally and internationally.
However, in the African context, the challenges of dealing with the patriarchal male dominated society, where men control resources and all decision making, is an obstacle to enhancing women’s participatory role in decision making processes. These challenges create opportunities for further engagement with all stakeholders, using the theory of change through popular participation and looking for other options of engagement. Thus, despite the challenges, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for enhancing women’s participation in peacebuilding and decision making spheres.