The role of women in conflict resolution: Perspectives from an indigenous system

Source: TMs (photocopy). Fairfax, VA: George Mason University, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution.

Hamdesa Tuso observes that the concept of conflict resolution through negotiation and mediation has gained considerable attention throughout the world in recent decades, especially in North American and European academic and political spheres. This is good, acknowledges Tuso, but the interest is based on a paradigm of conflict resolution that is largely post-industrial and Western in cultural milieu. As such, this paradigm lacks depth and breadth of theoretical and practical knowledge, particularly in different cultural settings. He cites different cultural perspectives on principles and components of mediation as an example. Against this background, Tuso explores indigenous systems of conflict resolution with emphasis on the role of women in conflict resolution processes. This includes discussion of the role of women in “traditionalâ€? societies (such as the Oromo society of the Horn of Africa).