Perception and Effect of Gender Based Violence on Sustainable Development and Education of Girl-Child in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined perception and effects of gender-based violence on sustainable development and education of the girl-child in South Western, Nigeria. Primary and Secondary data were utilised. A structured questionnaire was administered on young females in tertiary institutions, secondary schools, non-governmental organisations, and government establishments dealing with gender-based violence in the study area while secondary data were sourced from journals, books and dailies. Multistage random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 360 respondents who completed the questionnaire for the study. Also, Key Informant Interview Guide was used to elicit additional information for the study from 30 key informants on gender-based violence in educational institutions. The key informants comprised of 15 Gender-based violence desk officers from tertiary institutions and 15 secondary school counsellors who were in-charge of issues bordering on gender-based violence in their institutions. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were applied to the data collected. The key informants’ interview responses were analysed using thematic and content analysis methods.  The result revealed a high prevalence of gender-based violence and it was perceived to be culturally motivated. Sexual violence, sexual harassment and psychological violence were the significant forms of gender-based violence that adversely affected the Sustainable Development Goal 4 and girl-child education. The study recommended that to avert the adverse effects of gender-based violence on the girl-child, there is need for thorough awareness and sensitisation programmes to build their resilience. Enforcement of established laws against gender-based violence by both government and non-governmental organisations is sacrosanct.