MICHAEL WIYUAL TUT2026-11-042026-11-042026-11-04https://repository.cuea.edu/handle/123456789/737THESISWomen globally continue to be negatively affected by protracted inter/intra-community conflicts. The situation is not different in South Sudan where they bear the largest brunt of inter-ethnic hostility. They have been deliberately targeted and subjected to widespread sexual violence including abduction and rape. However, despite their prolonged suffering, women have been under-represented in peacebuilding initiatives. The study aimed to analyse women involvement in inter-ethnic conflict in Akobo County, South Sudan. It was guided by the following specific objectives; to examine the perception of the community regarding women involvement in inter-ethnic conflict, to investigate the reasons for women involvement in inter- ethnic conflict, to assess the role of women in inter-ethnic conflict, and to propose strategies employed by women towards resolving inter-ethnic conflict in Akobo County, South Sudan. The researcher adopted instrumentalism and primordialism theories. A mixed research approach with a focus on sequential explanatory design was adopted. The target population was 1,210 from which, a sample size of 300 respondents was selected using the Slovin’s formula. Quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire while qualitative data was collected using interview guide, focus group discussion guide, and observation. Quantitative data was analysed using excel involving the use of graphs, pie charts, tables, and frequencies, while qualitative data was analysed thematically. The research findings revealed that inter-ethnic conflict in Akobo County, South Sudan is mainly driven by competition over resources; mainly cattle, protracted ethnic hatred and tension, women and child abduction, and political influence. The study also revealed that culturally, women are peace makers who have been at the forefront in strengthening inter/intra-community reconciliation and peacebuilding in the area. During the field survey, it was observed that in spite of relative stability, fear and uncertainty continue to create doubt for lasting peace to prevail in the area. The study recommends inclusive inter/intra-community dialogue to build trust and confidence, sports and cultural initiatives to enhance trust and confidence and assist in trauma healing and recovery, economic empowerment for women, job opportunities for youth, and enforcement of rule of law to enhance safety of the community to freely engage in socio- economic activities to strengthen social cohesion in the areaen-USWomen’s involvementinter-ethnic conflictconflict resolutionpeacebuildingwomen’s participationgender and conflictethnic relationscommunity peacebuildingconflict managementwomen’s empowermentAkobo CountySouth SudanThesis