Citation

Noma E, Aker D, Freeman J. J. Peacebuild. Dev. 2012; 7(1): 7-32.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, University of San Diego, Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15423166.2012.719384

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article highlights the gap between institutional approaches to peacebuilding - which narrowly focus on post-conflict reconstruction of formal state institutions - and the lived experiences of grassroots peacebuilders. It analyses the documented stories of participants in the Women PeaceMakers1 Program at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice at the University of San Diego, demonstrating that peacebuilding does not occur simply after conflict, but at all phases of peace processes. The article and its three case studies - developed with three women peacemakers from the Philippines, Guatemala and South Africa - contend that this expands and deepens the practical and academic definitions of peacebuilding. Without this evolved understanding of the concept, women's actions to build peace will continue to be overlooked and underfunded. 1The term 'Women PeaceMakers' is intended to encompass women's multiple roles in pursuit of sustainable peace and social justice. Thus, in this article 'peacemaking' and 'peacebuilding' are used interchangeably.