Bebe, D. P. C. (2025) Influence of women’s participation on the effectiveness of conflict resolution processes in Juba county, Central Equatoria State, South Sudan

Abstract

This study examined the role of women in conflict resolution processes in Juba County, South Sudan, focusing on their participation across political, social, and economic dimensions and how it relates to the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts. The motivation for the study stemmed from persistent gender disparities in post-conflict governance despite national and international calls for inclusive peace processes. Although South Sudan’s transitional frameworks emphasize women's involvement, actual participation remains minimal, largely symbolic, or excluded from key decision-making spaces. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to assess the level of women’s participation in conflict resolution across political, social, and economic dimensions; to identify the challenges to women’s participation; and to determine the relationship between women’s participation and the effectiveness of conflict resolution in Juba County. A descriptive cross-sectional research design using both quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. Data were collected from 180 respondents through structured questionnaires and 30 respondents for FDGs and interviews. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analyses were used for analysis. The findings revealed that women’s participation was generally low across all dimensions. For example, only 14.6% agreed or strongly agreed that women’s participation in political decision-making was effective, while 16.6% reported that conflict resolution processes were inclusive of all groups. Challenges such as cultural norms (69.7%), exclusion from formal peace structures (69.2%), low literacy (69.7%), and security threats (75.2%) were major barriers to women’s engagement. Correlation results showed significant positive relationships between political (r = 0.52), social (r = 0.46), and economic (r = 0.42) participation and the effectiveness of conflict resolution. The regression model confirmed these findings with all dimensions being significant predictors (R² = 0.642, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the study confirms that meaningful and multi-dimensional participation of women significantly contributes to effective conflict resolution. However, structural, cultural, and institutional barriers continue to limit this participation. The study recommends robust policy reforms, increased funding for women’s initiatives, capacity building, and gender-sensitive peace frameworks that ensure women’s voices are not only heard but are central to peacebuilding in South Sudan