Fourth Industrial Revolution and Women’s Peacebuilding Initiatives in Africa

While Africa has yet to fully embrace the advancements of the Third Industrial Revolution, particularly in the integration of electronics and information technology for automated production, the imperative shift towards the adoption and utilisation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is crucial for enhancing women’s involvement in peacebuilding. Despite possessing abundant resources and considerable potential, the continent faces numerous challenges hindering the optimal implementation of 4IR to address persistent conflicts, instability, and insecurity. This chapter delves into an exploration of how the Fourth Industrial Revolution impacts the roles, opportunities, and challenges faced by women in various cultural and geopolitical contexts within the realm of peacebuilding. Furthermore, it examines the potential applications of 4IR tools in initiatives led by women for peacebuilding, featuring concrete examples drawn from existing projects and initiatives. Employing a qualitative methodology for data collection and analysis, including the scrutiny of case studies and relevant literature, the chapter aims to illustrate the transformative influence of empowering women with 4IR tools to foster effective and inclusive peacebuilding throughout the African continent.