| This thesis explores the roles of women in peacebuilding at the community level in Uganda. It focuses on the lived experiences of women who are not self-defined peacebuilders but whose lives speak of the values inherent to building a culture of peace.;Most definitions of peacebuilding relate to post-conflict reconstruction and reflect a Western bias toward intervention in these contexts. As such they do not adequately acknowledge peacebuilding efforts of individuals within local communities, particularly of women. Women's contributions to peacebuilding are primarily at the grassroots, rarely profiled, and therefore remain under-represented within the mainstream peacebuilding discourse.;This research is influenced by a more holistic perspective of peacebuilding, relating to the values, beliefs, attitudes, and actions that contribute to building a culture of peace, and therefore inclusive of the whole cycle of conflict - prevention, resolution, and reconstruction. The study profiles five Ugandan women, from different regions - Arua, Gulu, Kisoro, Kampala, and Moroto - representative of varying contexts and conditions of conflict in the country. Using a narrative methodology, it highlights, through their life stories, the connections between their lives and peacebuilding, identifying specific peacebuilding initiatives, their roles, challenges, and sources of inspiration. What becomes evident is that these women's involvement in peacebuilding is their response to the struggles of their lives lived within specific contexts, in relation to others, and as part of their communities. A cross-case analysis reveals themes of shared contexts of poverty and meeting basic human needs, the multiple roles of the women, access to resources, the centrality of relationships, spirituality, the role of husbands, and the role of education. Recognizing the interconnections between peacebuilding and development is central to valuing the contributions of these women. Also of significance is the influence of the indigenous African worldview, the role of context in defining peacebuilding, the necessity of recognizing peacebuilding in the work of women's ordinary lives, and the importance of opportunities for expanding their networks to support and enhance their peacebuilding capacities. Through such insights, this research broadens current conceptions of peacebuilding and challenges our understandings of the ways women contribute to building peace. |
