Forms of Psychosocial Effects Experienced by Women and Children in Njoro District, Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of violent ethnic conflict and its psychosocial effects on women and children. The article is exploratory and relied on field study and published works from different authors on the field of conflict, psychology, psychological effects of conflict and the general effects of violent ethnic conflict on women and children. Ethnic conflict has both psychological and social effects. Women and children have been the primary recipients of the violence that ensues during ethnic conflicts. This is majorly because they are considered weak both physically and mentally and therefore susceptible to the short and long term effects of conflict.

Women and children are greatly disadvantaged in terms of personal safety, access to resources and human rights regardless of whether or not they are engaged in conflict. Women are particularly affected because of their status and sex.

The issue of psychological effects of ethnic conflict is analyzes and located within the conflict resolution theory which posits that the exercise of mapping and identifying the psychological effects and processes of a conflict offers great insight into that conflict. Most interventions during conflicts focus primarily on physical and economic vulnerability and ignore the crucial focus on psychosocial effects especially on women and children.

 Given the vulnerability of women and children, the success of future peace will depend more on the ability to raise awareness of the invisible effects on them, as well as their special needs during repatriation and resettlement. There is also a need to regard them not only as victims, but also to acknowledge their important and complex role as partners in assistance operations, during post-conflict reconstruction, reconciliation and peace building.

During the violence that took place   after the disputed election in 2007-2008 the country was divided along ethnic lines. Communities turned against each other and reopened old rivalries that previously existed and which had resulted in conflict every subsequent year.

Some communities were specifically targeted for persecution due to their perceived association with the ruling regime at the time. This resulted in deaths, destruction of property, and displacement of people among other effects. The psychosocial effects resulting from the conflict were ignored by the government and non-governmental organizations because of their difficulty in identification, time taken to manifest themselves and heal even after the conflict.

 The psychosocial effects have long-term effects on the victims which need to be addressed and prioritized for a true and sustained peace to be realized.  The paper concludes that women and children suffer severe psychosocial effects. An analysis of these psychosocial effects is essential in understanding the root cause of violent ethnic conflict and for offering necessary perspectives on effective conflict management and resolution.