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The Role of Women Church Leaders in Peacebuilding and Social Economic Transformation in Post-Conflict Uganda

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The Palgrave Handbook of Religion, Peacebuilding, and Development in Africa

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Abstract

Whereas women are mostly essentialized as victims in conflict situations and often times excluded from conflict resolution and transition forums, women’s efforts in harnessing sustainable peace, economic development and transitional justice, which are a significant basis for sustainable peace, are also well documented. This qualitative study draws on in-depth interviews with a purposively selected ten female church leaders from both the Catholic and Anglican churches in Uganda. The aim was to establish the role, strategies and challenges faced by women church leaders in harnessing sustainable peace and reconciliation among the grassroots communities. The findings show that women are involved in philanthropic works for socializing and improving the economic welfare of the communities. Strategies like evangelism, and other projects aimed at skilling, capacity development and awareness raising, are key engagements for community outreach in the process of sustaining peace and social economic transformation. However, factors such as patriarchy, male dominance and lack of political will and support continue to hamper their initiatives. Using the theory of servant leadership and literature on women’s agency in conflict transformation, the chapter suggests giving more support, training and empowerment as ways of boosting the visibility and involvement of women church leaders in community service.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Socioeconomic Sciences, Cavendish University, Kampala, Uganda

    Alice Wabule

Authors
  1. Alice Wabule
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya

    Susan M. Kilonzo

  2. University of Zimbabwe, Mount Pleasant, Zimbabwe

    Ezra Chitando

  3. University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Joram Tarusarira

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Wabule, A. (2023). The Role of Women Church Leaders in Peacebuilding and Social Economic Transformation in Post-Conflict Uganda. In: Kilonzo, S.M., Chitando, E., Tarusarira, J. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Religion, Peacebuilding, and Development in Africa. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-36829-5_40

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