Women for women

The past week I have been attending peacebuilding workshops facilitated by women during which time the men who were attending said they imagined the facilitator would be a white male. I have also been speaking with women who are advocating for other women - trying to make a difference at the grass roots level. And now, I find myself puzzled with my own intellectual and research processes wondering if I am undertaking an investigation into grass roots, structured forms of peacebuilding, or if I am seeking to gain an understanding of more informal peace building/community healing processes that are seen within Kenyan society.

Let me explain. There is much research that reflects organizations that advocate for women's rights and encourages women participants in formal peace building agendas such as Women in Peacebuilding in Liberia, Women for Women, and PeaceWomen. But what happens behind closed doors, in places where there is little access to media or infrastructure. How do women who are working quietly in theri communities, bridging Tribal difference through friendships contribute to peacebuilding in a meaningful way? At the same time, I have also been reflecting on the idea why are there not more women in peacebuilding processes . . what is it that women bring to the peace table and why is their role so different than men's.

Below is a TED talk by Jody Williams: A Realistic Vision for World Peace during which a Nobel Peace Laureate articulates the need for creativity and a new approach to peace. She sees peace as "a sustainable peace for justice and equality" where people "have enough resources to live dignified lives".

I found her talk to be inspiring although it raised so many more questions about my research here in Kenya during this pre-election time when there is uncertainty and fear of a reoccurance of the 2007 post-election violence, that resulted in so much displacement of women, men and families.

I welcome your comments and ideas.