JORAS - Nigerian Journal of Religion and Society

Although peace is a value that most major world religions uphold, throughout the ages people of all religions have carried out very inhuman and violent acts towards their fellow human beings. Religions have played and continue to play a central role in the understanding and establishment of peace in our societies, and yet religion is at the core of so much of the strife experienced in our world today. Religion, which is very closely intertwined with culture, is also at the core of much of the gender inequality and subordination experienced by women throughout the world. Because of gender inequalities and differences, women are often hindered in conflict management processes and are prevented from offering their particular skills and perspectives on both the conflict and on its resolution. The question of gender which is often times forgotten in the search for peace in a pluri-religious society cannot be ignored. This paper considers the relationship between the three complex issues of gender, religion and conflict/violence/peace and proffers some suggestions on how to shape the dialogue which in any pluri-religious society is necessary for peaceful coexistence.

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