Gender, Governance and Conflicts in Africa

“Civil War is Africa’s self-inflicted wound. More than one African in five lives in a country that is fighting a war, and nearly 20 countries have experienced civil war since 1960. The continuing conflicts that ravage the African continent represent a heavy social and economic burden. During a war, most of the country’s resources tend to be diverted away from development and towards supporting the conflict – War is estimated to cost $1bn per year in Central Africa, without counting the cost of aiding refugees, which is estimated to be about $500m in the region” (Bolle, 2000: 61). “Women’s contributions to war and peace have long been underestimated. In fact, women often contribute to the outbreak of violence and hostilities-in many cases, they are instrumental in inciting men to defend group interests, honour, and collective livelihoods. Women also play a key role in preserving order and normalcy in the midst of chaos and destruction.

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