War and Peace: Analysis of Women’s Participation in Conflict Resolution Processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

This article focuses on women’s participation in peace processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is based on an analysis of the situation in the Kivu region, where atrocities and conflicts are ongoing in villages, territories and communes. Women are victims of atrocities and all forms of human rights violations. The much sought-after peace is not within the reach of the victims, who see their lives taken away by the belligerents, who have no hesitation in taking up arms in any form, imposing their authority at the cost of blood, and subjecting them to unprecedented inertia. Despite the atrocities to which they are subjected, they retain their values and always seek to promote unity, social cohesion, the family economy and the development of society. They remain focused on issues of general interest and do not allow themselves to be confused by the specificity that divide them. They engage in all forms of peace-building and take significant risks for the stability of the community. This article analyses the causes and consequences of these conflicts, describes the local mechanisms used to manage them and the proactive efforts made by women to resolve and overcome crises and consolidate peace. Peace-building is everyone’s business and must benefit from the contribution and commitment of the entire population.