Reviewing the role of women pastoralist in conflicts in the Horn of Africa

The Horn of Africa has seen its fair share of natural resource conflicts among and between competing pastoralists communities. The conflicts hitherto associated with men, ignored women pastoralists’ role in the same conflict. Using an existing data and an open-ended qualitative approach the study sought answers on the role of women pastoralists in conflict in the horn of Africa. Results show that women have a hand in conflict either by offering active or passive support. The review takes note that women’s involvement in conflict has evolved to peace-building. In conclusion, the study notes women play a role in conflict which however remains under-valued. Further, the emerging spaces occupied by women led conflict mediation has yet to challenge institutionalized discrimination of both traditional and contemporary systems by way of strong women movements. Therefore the study recommends the need for policies that support more inclusivity including adoption of better integration and harnessing of conflict mechanisms to benefit women.