Best Practices in Peace Building and Non-Violent Conflict Resolution

Gender is a social construct that marks a fundamental power relation in societies, which structures and affects both the private and public life of men and women, In African societies, housework, supply of water, child-care and family are considered women's fender responsibilities. The men are expected to concentrate on the material needs of their families, to take up leadership and decision-making positions particularly in the public sphere, and to arm themselves and fight to protect the family, the community or the nation.

Such clear sets of message and instructions on the role of women and men lead to a situation in which a vicious cycle of sexism perpetuates the differential treatment of women, the entrenchment of rigid roles and division of labour. In addition, it is a contributory factor in the inaccurate interpretations that surround the term gender. Often, such misinterpretation denies the existence of the prevailing hierarchy where women are subordinated.