‘This circle has given me the opportunity to experience forgiveness’, said one of the participants in the concluded women Creators of Peace Circle. This was held on 18-20 November 2011 at Mathare Valley in Nairobi, Kenya. ‘The bitterness in my heart was slowly eating me up and would have driven me to the grave had this seminar not come my way’ said a young woman whose effects of the post poll violence had left her deeply wounded, ‘ inner peace and forgiveness will guide me’. 

Mathare is an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. Life in these settlements is characterized by inadequate housing, extreme poverty, unemployment, delinquency and crime, poor sanitation, inadequate social services, insecurity, social fragmentation and poor livelihood opportunities. It is no wonder then that the youth living in these settlements, most of whom are idle, resort to violence as a way of addressing conflict. The abject poverty caused by poor livelihood opportunities lead to frustration which finds expression in violence and anti-social behaviour. Due to desperation, the youth are vulnerable and will therefore readily welcome any opportunity of earning some money including becoming “thugs for hire”. Mathare was one of the hot spots of violence experienced in the 2007/2008 post poll uprisings. We carried out the circle in an area called “stage mawe” meaning the place of stones. As one participant shared with us, ‘this area sets the pace for either peace or war in Mathare.’ 

The three day circle brought together 14 women from different ethnicities and walks of life into a safe, supportive and healing forum. Since the 2007/08 violence, there has never been a forum where people can share their experiences. Consequently so many people, especially women, are hurting and living in fear and are deeply traumatized. The circle encapsulated both forgiveness and healing where women came face to face and shared honestly with other women whom they considered “the enemy”. The stereotypes held by each were de-constructed as they confirmed to us that if such kinds of circles were carried out, unwanted fear, animosity, ethnic polarization and mistrust among communities would be erased. ‘If women come together and dialogued for peace, our common humanity will be honoured and restored,’ they said. 

During the circle, 'An African Answer' was screened, bringing tears but also hope that an answer lies within them. This video offers an entry point into starting conversations of peace among the communities and especially among the youth. ‘The volatility of Mathare will be quelled if peace and reconciliation efforts are increased and An African Answer will break the cycle,’ said a participant who is a community mobilizer.  

The women were keen to meet again and share their stories as well as strategize on how to replicate the circle in all the 10 villages of Mathare. Though the challenges the community is facing and fear of recurrence of violence as Kenya holds elections in 2012 are overwhelming, the women are determined to break the tension.  

The circle was facilitated by Nelly Njoki and Winnie Isika with Edna Kangee (Caux Scholar 2011) in attendance. 

With support from the Frits Phillips Fund