Stories as a tool for reconciliation

Renowned for her work with pastoralist communities who have been affected by violent conflict, Josephine Ekiru shared her experience of the power of stories as a tool for reconciliation in a recent conversation with Francesca Panetta, Director of the AKO Storytelling Institute.

"I grew up in the bush in a very remote village in the northern part of Kenya. I could hear my grandparents, my father, my mother, telling us stories around the fire. And those stories were to give us culture. Those stories were about solving conflicts. And those were the stories that we used to listen to.

Now in my work as a peacebuilder, when I get into a situation where communities are in conflict and dealing with loss, pain and anger, I sit with them and start telling stories. Storytelling helps reduce hostility. People cool down and listen. They see themselves in the story and start reflecting on their actions. It’s a way to get them to see that they have a responsibility in the conflict, and only through coming together can they find peace.”

Storytelling helps them come to a place where they can talk, and this is key to any kind of reconciliation.

"But not everyone supports peace initiatives, particularly those who benefit economically from conflict. There are people whose livelihoods depend on the continuation of violence, and that creates a significant obstacle. It's crucial to recognise these underlying motivations, as they can fuel resistance to the very solutions we are trying to promote. Understanding who stands to gain from the conflict helps us navigate the complexities of peacebuilding in these communities…I use storytelling to expose these interests subtly, engaging the community in critical reflection on who gains from violence and who suffers. It's about making them see the bigger picture and encouraging dialogue on what true peace looks like.

By sharing stories that highlight both the consequences of violence and the benefits of peace, I aim to shift perspectives and foster an environment where reconciliation can take root.

Josephine acknowledged the importance of empowering women and girls who are typically excluded from critical conversations that shape their futures, and her efforts to support them to articulate their narratives as part of this peacebuilding process.

"I always tell the young girls I mentor that they have a voice, and through storytelling, they can share their own experiences, connect to their culture, and make a difference in their communities. It's important for them to understand that their stories matter, and when they express themselves, they empower not only themselves but also inspire others around them…Through storytelling, we give young people and women the platform to speak, to be heard, and to be part of the solution, not just the victims of conflict. It’s about creating a space where they can articulate their feelings, share their narratives, and contribute to the dialogue that leads to healing and rebuilding their communities".

I see the potential in using podcasts, videos, and social media platforms to tell the stories of those who have been impacted by conflict. It’s a way to give them a voice and connect people across borders.

"When we share these narratives globally, we foster understanding and empathy, bridging gaps between communities that may not even know they have common struggles and aspirations…With digital storytelling, we can document these stories and preserve them for future generations. It's not just about telling them in the moment; it's about creating a lasting record that can educate and inspire even when we're not there in person. This documentation ensures that the wisdom embedded in our stories continues to live on, guiding future generations in their own conflicts and challenges.”