Beyond Principles

This chapter challenges the conventional understanding of the roles of men and women in the Somali conflict. It suggests that women are involved in intra‐ and inter-clan conflict in many different ways, including in financing, mobilization, logistics, intelligence, and active fighting. The roles they take are closely connected with clan affiliation and the current situation of the clan. It appears that kinship and clan are often exploited for elite interests. However, women have also taken action to end conflict. In Kismayo, women have worked for peace through a range of means, including persuasion, mobilization, fundraising, organizing demonstrations, or advocacy. These findings underscore the importance of women's full and meaningful involvement in peace-building.