Women in Zimbabwe’s Insiza District have emerged as key agents in peacebuilding, particularly in response to violence and conflicts arising from artisanal mining activities in Wards 1 and 2. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Emthonjeni Women's Forum (EWF) project, which established 12 peace committees comprising 120 women peacebuilders. The study area is characterized by high unemployment, subsistence farming, and the presence of illegal artisanal miners, leading to violent gang activity by groups such as the aMabhambadzi. These gangs have disrupted community life, eroded cultural norms, and undermined social cohesion through the use of force to seize gold and mining claims. The peace committees serve as community-driven mechanisms for conflict identification, analysis, and resolution. They implement prevention strategies, establish early warning systems, and facilitate dialogue to mitigate disputes. This research examines the role of women as strategic partners in the EWF’s Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion initiative, assessing how their interventions influence the resolution of everyday conflicts and the restoration of social harmony. Findings indicate that women’s involvement has strengthened community resilience, enhanced participatory conflict resolution, and contributed to the re-establishment of trust and cultural norms within affected areas. By highlighting women’s contributions, this study underscores their pivotal role in promoting sustainable peace in rural mining communities plagued by violence and lawlessness. The insights gained have implications for policy, community development programs, and the broader understanding of gendered approaches to peacebuilding in rural and resource-driven contexts.
Thandeka Nomusa Dlamini (2025) studied this question.