Browsing by Author "Ruokanen, Santra"

This master’s thesis aims to examine the structural barriers that hinder women's participation in peacebuilding processes in Mozambique. The research falls under an umbrella theme of Women, Peace, and Security. The main research question of the study is: “What are the main structural barriers for women’s participation in peacebuilding processes in Mozambique?” The research is based on qualitative methodology, the research data includes an analysis of the expert interviews and the National Action Plan of Mozambique for Women, Peace, and Security. The study uses semi-structured theme-oriented expert interviews to gather data from various entities, including international organization representatives, policy officers, and civil society organizations. The theoretical framework is based on theories of critical feminist peace research and structural intersectionality. The particular purpose is to recognize the societal structures that function as barriers by generating inequalities and power relations between genders and thereby hindering women’s participation in peacebuilding processes. Furthermore, the purpose is to recognize the interconnections of these societal structures and how they affect women’s participation. The focus is on socio-cultural, educational, political, economic, and implementational factors. The study reveals that patriarchal structures, gender-based violence, and dominant gender roles limit women's agency and contribute to their limited participation. Lack of education negatively impacts women's confidence to participate in public initiatives and decision-making and their access to information and rights. Economic barriers, such as limited access to resources and loss of livelihoods, further marginalize women in peacebuilding efforts through the effects of survival priorities and double burden. Political dimensions highlight persistent obstacles women face in decision-making processes, highlighting the need for inclusive governance institutions and addressing recognition of women’s agency. Women are emphasized as agents of change, working in the informal sector of society and focusing on community-level peacebuilding. However, these actions are not transferred to formal activities, in which women remain excluded. The National Action Plan for Women, Peace, and Security (NAP-WPS) is a vital framework, but its’ implementation faces challenges such as lack of political will, transparency, resource allocation, and inclusivity. In Mozambique, women are often overlooked or undervalued in peacebuilding processes. Gender-sensitive methods are crucial to addressing structural barriers to women's participation. Intersecting dimensions of socio-cultural norms, educational and economic inequalities, political obstacles, and implementing issues must be addressed to create an environment that allows women to fully participate, contribute, and take the lead in establishing a peaceful and inclusive society. The research has important implications for Mozambique and globally, emphasizing the importance of grassroots initiatives and rethinking established systems. The topic is important for better understanding the links between peacebuilding and women's participation and related social problems and to allow for a broader discussion on the complex roots of issues such as poverty, patriarchal norms, and power relations.