SOCIO-CULTURAL BARRIERS TO WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN URBAN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Women play an important role in maintaining peace and resolving conflicts at the community level. However, their participation in conflict resolution activities is often limited by various socio-cultural barriers. The present study explored the challenges faced by women in participating in community-level mediation in urban areas of Punjab, Pakistan. A qualitative research design was adopted for this study, and data/information were collected through Focus Group Interviews (FGIs) conducted in three major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan. Thematic analysis approach was used to examine participants’ experiences related to barriers affecting their involvement in conflict resolution and peacebuilding activities. The findings indicated that women faced multiple constraints, including household-level restrictions, gendered mobility limitations, socio-cultural norms, economic dependency, capacity gaps, and lack of institutional support. Further, Family expectations and social resistance often discouraged women from participating in mediation processes, while limited mobility and financial dependency reduced their ability to engage in public roles. In addition, lack of formal training and absence of institutional backing further restricted women’s effectiveness in conflict resolution activities. The study highlighted the need for gender-sensitive policies and programs that addressed socio-cultural barriers to women’s participation in peacebuilding. Providing training opportunities, improving financial independence, and strengthening institutional support might enhance women’s role in community-level conflict resolution and promote inclusive peacebuilding practices in urban communities.