What to Know About Violence Against and Harassment of Women in Nigeria

Violence against women constitutes a serious violation of female human rights. It is also a major health issue in many places, especially in Africa. In Nigeria, violence against women is widespread, and calls for urgent policies to tackle the problem.

Violence

Violence

What forms do violence and harassment take? What are the causes and the current state of this sticky situation?

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Attacks on Women

Violence against women is mostly domestic – or so it seems – and is global. Domestic violence refers to violence or other abuses that transpire in marriages or in settings where people cohabit. This type of violence is sometimes also called intimate partner violence.

Violence can take multiple forms, including physical, emotional, economic, or sexual. While males can also be subjected to this violence, especially in the home, women are mostly at the receiving end. The most common cases include rape, wife beating, torture, and acid baths – all of which may result in death.

Harassment of women is more often than not sexual in nature. This typically comes as unwanted sexual advances, sexually-suggestive conduct, or sexual favor requests. Women experience this almost everywhere, ranging from their homes to streets and workplaces.

Ogling, body touching, and sexual comments about a lady’s appearance are among the most common forms of sexual harassment in Nigeria.

State of the Problem

Incidents of violence and harassment of women are reportedly high in Nigeria. And the age, social status, tribe, or religion of a woman doesn’t make much difference in the occurrence. Unfortunately, there are practically no signs that cases of violence would reduce soon.

According to estimates, around one in every three women suffers violence from men or people that one would expect to love and protect them. A 2021 report in The Guardian (Nigeria) revealed that there was at least one case of a woman being beaten, maimed, or killed by her husband each week.

The gender-based nonprofit Stop Street Harassment (SSH) estimates that more than 38 percent of women have experienced sexual harassment globally. The percentage is significantly higher in Nigeria: 64 percent, according to Stand To End Rape (STER).

The prevalence of sexual harassment differs between sectors and states, as per research. For example, it is estimated at 64 percent in the legal sector and 74 percent in Lagos State.

Recently, Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI) reported that 70 percent of female students in the country have been harassed sexually.

Cases of violence against or harassment of women are under-reported and largely so for the sexual form. Nigerian society, like most African societies, is patriarchal so irresponsible men often go unpunished.

Nigeria Police also don’t encourage female victims of sexual violence to come forward through their actions or inaction. Besides, in the case of domestic violence or abuse, reporting to the police is often frowned upon by families.

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What’s Responsible for Violence against Women?

Multiple factors can be pinpointed as being to blame for violence against women in Nigeria. The patriarchal nature of society is a major contributor. Considered the “head of the family,” the man somewhat implicitly has the right to “correct” his wife even when doing so may amount to violence in the modern context.

The practice of the payment of the bride price may be argued to also “empower” the man to treat his wife rashly. Payment of a bride price may suggest ownership of the woman by her husband, especially when it is prohibitive.

Family finances are another factor that could play a part in violence in the home. A study shows that most women were abused by their husbands after asking for money to see to family needs.

The COVID-19 Pandemic occasioned a surge in cases of violence against women. A 2021 report showed that almost 50 percent of women in Nigeria suffered violence since the pandemic started. Experts say this may be attributed to the economic and financial distress that resulted from the lockdown.

Other factors that contribute to violence against women in Nigeria include:

  • Drunkenness of a woman’s partner
  • Rejection of a partner’s sexual advances
  • Perceived lack of respect for a man or husband
  • Inability to conceive
  • Refusal to obtain husband’s approval before going out
  • Neglect of children by a wife

Way Forward

Violence and harassment can have unpleasant effects on the health of affected women. Anxiety, depression, nasty job experiences, injuries, and even death are some of the possible adverse outcomes.

There have been some instances where the government has taken legal action against men who abused their wives. However, more still needs to be done.

There is an urgent need for more legislation to punish men that are involved in violence and harassment against women. Reportedly, there is currently no legislation targeting sexual harassment in the workplace.

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The provision of jobs may also help to discourage situations that encourage violence against women. This, for instance, could prevent abuse when money is needed to take care of family needs. More women should be empowered to also be less reliant on their partners and, possibly, less at their mercy.

References

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/sexual-harassment-workplace-nigeria-women-STER

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8959122_Current_causes_and_management_of_violence_against_women_in_Nigeria

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/09/70-of-nigerias-female-students-sexually-harassed-cso/

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/497159-48-of-nigerian-women-experienced-violence-since-covid-19-pandemic-un-report.html

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