Women’s Participation in Peacebuilding under UNSCR 1325 in West Pokot County, Kenya

The study examines women’s participation in peacebuilding under the Women, Peace and Security agenda, with specific reference to UNSCR 1325 in West Pokot County, Kenya. The study is guided by four research questions focusing on baseline levels and forms of participation, the influence of UNSCR 1325 on participation outcomes, institutional and socio-cultural enablers and barriers, and the effectiveness of local peacebuilding mechanisms in promoting sustainable women’s engagement. A mixed methods explanatory sequential research design was adopted. The target population comprised 263 peacebuilding actors drawn from county and community-based peace structures, with a sample of 159 respondents selected through stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions, while secondary data were obtained from relevant policy documents. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings indicate that women’s participation is strongest in informal peace processes, with 69.8% reporting active participation in peace discussions and 59.7% reporting regular attendance in peace meetings. Women’s influence in decision-making processes stands at 64.1%, while representation in formal leadership structures remains limited at 37.1%. The study further shows that UNSCR 1325 has improved access to peace forums and participation opportunities (59.8%), although its impact on leadership representation remains constrained. Institutional capacity gaps and socio-cultural norms continue to shape participation outcomes. The study concludes that women’s participation in peacebuilding is high but structurally constrained, with a persistent gap between participation and authority. It recommends strengthening county-level implementation of UNSCR 1325, enhancing institutional accountability, expanding leadership opportunities for women in peace structures, and addressing socio-cultural barriers limiting participation.