5. Lederach’s Peacebuilding Framework

The gender-sensitive methodologies, together with the three-tier peacebuilding model by Lederach, constituted the theoretical framework within which the study was conducted. Lederach’s model was modified to include peacemaking. Although gender-sensitive approaches to peacemaking and peacebuilding have increased in recent years, especially among scholars, in practice these processes often still fail to adequately address the countless needs of women and understand the complex interplay between gender, conflict, peacemaking and post-conflict rebuilding. The study was qualitative and field-based. Individual interviews and Focus Group Discussions were conducted from August 2009 to July 2011 and involved 100 key participants. Prior to the publication of the book follow-up interviews were also conducted in 2016 to ascertain new developments of events. The majority of interviews took place in the northern districts of Gulu, Kitgum and Pader, with additional interviews in Kampala with key stakeholders. In the north, a wide variety of individuals were interviewed from government and non-governmental organisations, civilian communities and the returnees trying to resettle after many years in captivity and the experience of living in the IDP camps for more than two decades.