The Role of Women in the Indigenous Conflict Resolution of Zewold, in Raya Kobo District
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摘要
Conflicts are natural and unavoidable in human interaction arising from conflicting interests, divergent beliefs, and social injustices. This study explores the contributions of women within the Zewold indigenous conflict resolution system of Raya Kobo, investigating how they leverage community social capital as a powerful mechanism for justice and healing. Grounded in social capital theory and an interpretive paradigm, this study utilizes a qualitative approach with an ethnographic design. Empirical data were generated through purposive sampling, comprising 24 in-depth interviews with traditional elders, women mediators (Duberty), and local residents, alongside six key informant interviews with district cultural experts, a court president, and police representatives. These sources were supplemented by three focus group discussions, direct field observations of active reconciliation ceremonies and qualitative document analysis of archival materials. The findings reveal that through interventions like ‘Erfo Mereba’ women reshape the perspectives of victims' families reducing cycles of vengeance and driving conflict resolution efforts. Women’s understanding of cultural norms positions them as key players in peace-building initiatives where they mend broken relationships and facilitate the reintegration of stakeholders. Despite their foundational role in generating and maintaining the community’s social capital, deep-seated patriarchal norms and structural limitations continue to exclude women from formal decision-making bodies and institutional leadership positions within the Zewold governance structure.
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