Local Role-Players, Informal Peacebuilding Institutions and Participatory Peacebuilding in Zimbabwe

The aim of this study was to see if there is a way to use informal peacebuilding institutions to feed into top-down peace infrastructures in Zimbabwe. It aimed to acknowledge the unrecognized contributions to peace that Zimbabwe's self-initiated informal peacebuilding institutions have made. The key question addressed in this study is whether, and under what circumstances, the ongoing tension in Zimbabwe between liberal and bottom-up approaches to peace can be resolved. Methodology: This research employed a qualitative interpretive approach because of its strengths in the analysis and interpretation of human stories and social myths. Sampling: Six adults with first-hand experience designing and establishing self-initiated ward-level peace committees in Marondera, Seke, and Wedza districts were purposively selected to participate in the current study. Key findings: It was found that key elements that facilitate participatory peacebuilding include an equal share of responsibilities and cooperation between men, women, and the youth in the design and establishment of peace committees, and allowing women to hold key positions within these informal peace structures. Furthermore, it emerged that taking responsibility for designing and creating peace committees by local players serves to assist in the development of factors that facilitate participatory peacebuilding, as a result of mutual obligations and equitable involvement between the social groups and sectors involved in the villages. Conclusions and recommendations: The study concludes that, participatory peacebuilding empowers ordinary people who have little influence over their lives to tackle differences, injustices and peace issues between men, women, and youth. It recommends the creation of more inclusive peace committees at the local level. This, according to the report, may increase the chances of women and youth participating in peace issues.