WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN SEPARATIST MOVEMENTS IN WEST AFRICA AND ECOWAS GENDER MAINSTREAMING INITIATIVES

Abstract

Women in West Africa have long played crucial but under-examined roles in separatist movements, driven by a complex interplay of socio-economic, political, and cultural factors. Despite their active participation, policy responses, including ECOWAS’s gender mainstreaming initiatives, often overlook the specific motivations and challenges faced by these women. This study explores the underlying drivers of women’s involvement in separatist movements and evaluates the effectiveness of ECOWAS’s interventions in addressing their needs. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study draws on Feminist Conflict Theory to analyze women’s narratives within separatist movements, uncovering key factors such as economic marginalization, political exclusion, and personal trauma. Findings reveal that while ECOWAS’s gender mainstreaming policies hold promise, they frequently lack the depth and nuance required to address the unique realities of women engaged in separatist struggles. Existing initiatives often fail to consider the intersection of gender, conflict, and identity, limiting their impact on fostering sustainable peace. The study underscores the need for ECOWAS to adopt a more inclusive and trauma-informed approach to conflict resolution. Recommendations include targeted economic empowerment programs, enhanced political inclusion mechanisms, and context-specific interventions that address the lived experiences of women in separatist movements. By refining its strategies to be more attuned to gendered conflict dynamics, ECOWAS can better contribute to long-term stability and peacebuilding efforts in West Africa.