Women and Transitional Justice Processes in Africa

Abstract

This chapter traces the role of African women in transitional justice processes. Transitional justice creates an opportunity for people to tell their stories and experiences of traumatic pasts and histories, reflect on the impact of those experiences in their lives as well as gain a better understanding on how to move forward. This chapter traces the experiences and the strategies that women on the African continent have used to combat impunity and injustice, for the betterment of humanity, and peace and security for all. This chapter argues that past transitional justice processes approached issues of violence against women in different ways, portraying women either as observers or mere narrators of past events. Considering the foregoing, this chapter is motivated by the human rights dimension to transitional justice with particular emphasis on gender justice and gender-sensitive approaches to transitional justice in Africa. Finally, the chapter argues that if global peace is to be achieved through transitional justice legislative mechanisms and as part of historical memory, the participation of women should be recognized. This is imperative for sustainable positive peace, gender justice, human security, protection, and promotion of rule of law and human rights.