Gender Mainstreaming and the Promotion of Peacebuilding Initiatives in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to examine how gender inclusion contributes to peacebuilding outcomes in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. The study examined how gender inclusion, economic empowerment, cultural factors, and institutional support contribute to peacebuilding outcomes in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.

Material/methods: The study was based on Social Relations Theory and Conflict Transformation Theory, which explain how gender and inequalities contribute to peacebuilding outcomes. The study used a descriptive survey research design, which combined quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data was collected from 805 respondents using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify relationships between study variables.

Findings: The results revealed that gender inclusion and economic empowerment have a positive and significant effect on peacebuilding outcomes. On the other hand, culture has a negative and significant relationship with peacebuilding outcomes. This implies that the culture of patriarchy is a major obstacle to the inclusion of women, youth and the vulnerable. On the other hand, institutional support had a positive effect on peacebuilding outcomes, although it was challenged by issues of sustainability and donor dependency.

Conclusion: From the study, it is evident that gender mainstreaming is essential for effective peacebuilding. However, the potential of gender mainstreaming to bring the much-needed change is limited by the structural and cultural barriers that prevent the effective participation of women.

Value: This study has contributed to the existing literature on gender and peacebuilding. It has provided valuable insights on the development of gender sensitive frameworks for peacebuilding.