CIVIL SOCIETY AND PEACE BUILDING IN GERMANY: THE ROLE OF “RUBBLE WOMEN” AFTER WORLD WAR II

Abstract

The study aims at evaluating the role of Rubble Women as a civil society in the nation building of Germany after the World War II. The research answer how does rubble women contribute to provide sustainable peace after that massive war. The devastating impact of World War II had left major cities in Germany in rubble, as such the onus of rebuilding of the nation was on the shoulder of women bearing in mind, that the population of women outnumber the population of men due to the loss of several men while some others were prisoners of war, injured or not mentally fit for meaningful contribution to their families and the society at large. The skewed population of men ushered the rubble women that became a beacon of hope, also making necessary sacrifices to ensure that Germany enjoyed sustained peace. The activities of rubble women translated beyond the removal of rubble into other humanitarian activities such as the running of soup kitchen, distribution of clothing, supplies and provision of medical care and support to the vulnerable citizens of the society. The work of rubble women contributed to also restoring the stability and functionality of cities and communities affected by war through the reconstruction of homes, infrastructure and public spaces, hence, laid a foundation for peaceful coexisting and social cohesion.