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ABSTRACT
The portrayal of women in traditional societies as victims of conflicts and gender inequalities often overlooks their roles as agents of change. This article examined the roles of Borana women in addressing structural inequality during peace, conflict, and post-conflict settings using endogenous institutions. The study utilized an ethnographic research design and a qualitative research approach. Both primary and secondary data were collected for the study. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect primary data, while secondary data were obtained from relevant materials through desk review. The primary data were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study reveal that Borana women play crucial roles in fighting structural inequality through endogenous institutions in preserving peace, protecting the vulnerables, challenging male dominance, maintaining community life and upholding women’s customary laws. The study also revealed the challenges women face in addressing structural inequality. These findings contribute to feminist theories by emphasizing women’s active and diverse roles in combating structural inequality. Consequently, assertive policy options that safeguard women’s customary rights and endogenous peacemaking practices are needed. Furthermore, the study calls for policy interventions and support systems that empower women and enhance their participation in decision-making processes.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
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Notes on contributors
Tesfaye Gudeta Gerba
Tesfaye Gudeta Gerba is a senior lecturer in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia. He is also a PhD candidate in Peace and Development Studies at Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia. His research interest includes Gender studies, ethnopolitics, Sociolinguistics, Semantics, Ethnic conflicts, gender and peacebuilding, Gadaa system, Conflict transformation, and anthropology.
Gutema Imana Keno
Gutema Imana is an associate professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology, Haramaya University. His research interest is in development sociology, Peacebuilding, peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation.
Mulu Berhanu Hundera
Mulu B. Hundera is an assistant professor of Management and Development at the Department of Gender and Development Studies at Haramaya University, Haramaya, Ethiopia. Her research interest is Gender, Female Entrepreneurship and Family dynamics, Diversity and Social Inclusion, and Female leadership.
Fekadu Adugna Tufa
Fekadu Adugna is an associate professor of Social Anthropology in the Department of Social Anthropology, at Addis Ababa University. His research interest is on social ethnicity, conflict, development, and ethno-social problems.