Expanding the Definition of Peacebuilding

Abstract

Local women’s involvement in peacebuilding often goes unrecognized. In this chapter, Jennifer Ball uses her experience with five Ugandan women peacebuilders to redefine peacebuilding. She proposes the term “development peacebuilding” to encompass the life-sustaining grassroots actions of women in local communities. Though women involved in development peacebuilding may not define themselves as peacebuilders, their efforts to sustain the community are crucial in the peace processes. Ball argues that it is necessary to recognize, affirm, and validate these efforts and then participate in networking with the women. She concludes by noting that peacebuilding is the responsibility of every individual in every community. It is a dynamic process and consists of personal and collective choices responding to life’s struggles and relational challenges.