Abstract

The purpose of this Capstone is to investigate effective components of a training program Peace Leadership for Rwandan Women implemented by a US-based non-profit organization, the Karuna Center for Peacebuilding, Inc. (KCP) from February 2004 to January 2006. This study integrates lessons learned from my practicum work at KCP in the academic and professional field of conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Part I states a research question and some sub questions. Part II reviews studies on the genocide in Rwanda. Part III shows how this paper relies on qualitative research using the Critical Social Research Approach and employs a case study, as well as details about how data was gathered for this evaluation. Part IV presents data collected on the trip to Rwanda, including the following interviews and observations that the author made as an assistant staff member of KCP. Part V analyzes the data under the research sub questions and theoretical frames in the literature reviewed. In conclusion, Part III illustrates that the most effective components of the KCP’s two-year peace leadership training program for Rwandan women are KCP’s focus on intercommunal trust building and its respect for Rwandan women’s ownership of their peacebuilding approaches. These essential principles of peacebuilding methodologies contribute not only to local peacebuilding in Rwanda but also to regional and global peacebuilding.

Disciplines

Peace and Conflict Studies | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Download

Share

 
COinS