Mediating Role of Women in Conflict Management in Ebonyi State: A Study of Onicha Local Government Area

The study examined Mediating Role of Women in Conflict Management in Ebonyi State: A study of Onicha Local Government Area. The population comprised women residents of Onicha LGA, with a sample size of 400 determined using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics, specifically multiple regression analysis, at a 0.05 significance level. Out of 400 questionnaires administered, 378 (94.5%) were returned, which reflects quality response rate. Findings revealed that voluntary participation, confidentiality, impartiality, and self-determination jointly and significantly predict conflict resolution outcomes, indicating that women’s engagement in peace processes is not only participatory but also strategic in ensuring sustainable community harmony. The study concluded that women play essential roles in managing conflicts within Onicha LGA, often through informal and culturally grounded approaches that complement formal mechanisms. However, their contributions remain under-recognized due to limited institutional support and patriarchal norms. The study recommended that the Ebonyi State government, local councils, and traditional institutions institutionalize women’s participation in peace-building, enhance their mediation capacity through targeted training, and promote inclusive policies that recognize and reward women’s leadership in conflict management.