ENTRENCHED EPIDEMIC: STEMMING THE TIDE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA

Abstract

Violence against Women (VAW), also known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Gender-Based Violence (GBV) or Domestic Violence (DV) is an age socio-cultural issue deep-rooted in Nigerian and African societies. Globally, domestic violence accounts for nearly one quarter of all recorded crimes. Domestic violence affects women in Nigeria and Africa irrespective of age, class, educational level and place of residence. The Nigerian and African society is inherently patriarchal. This is due to the influence of the various religions and customs practiced. Women are seen as inferior to men, and are regarded as property. This practice and mindset has been ingrained in the subconscious mind of the average Nigerian/African man. Consequently, violence against women has become entrenched and institutionalized. This paper examines Violence against women in Nigeria and Africa (with emphasis on South Africa, Ghana and Malawi) and posits that such violence stems mainly from socio – cultural and religious factors. Other factors that engender violence against women, like lack of awareness of rights by women, illiteracy, poverty (economic pressure and frustration), child/ forced marriage, substance abuse are also examined. Recommendations to curb violence against women in Nigeria and Africa as a whole are underscored. This study employs the doctrinal research methodology