Unizik Journal of Gender Research

Spousal Educational Gap and Risk of Intimate Partner Violence across the Life Course

2025-12-03T07:52:27+00:00

This paper analyzed the correlation between the inequality level of education, spouse educational
differences and the possibility of intimate partner violence (IPV) throughout the life course in terms
of the socio-economic situation in Abia State, Nigeria. Drawing on qualitative data from 24
participants, The study examined the extent and direction to which educational differences
influenced marital behavior, conflict, and the likelihood of IPV. On the one hand, the results show
that educational differences have varied impact according to the life stage of couples: the younger
couples are more likely to have increased tensions in the relationships when they have one,
especially in early marriage, and it is often augmented with childbearing, lousy jobs and financial
constraints. Conversely, later marriages show higher levels of adaptation, since experiences in life
lessen the sensitivity of education differences as causes of friction. Nonetheless, risk factors of IPV
are worsened by rampant unemployment and economic vulnerability wherever they may prevail.
The study concludes that effective IPV interventions requires multi-level strategies that promoted
educational equity, challenged harmful gender norms and enhanced economic empowerment.

Assessment of Prevalence, Response and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Enugu State, Nigeria

2025-12-03T08:05:55+00:00

Gender based Violence is a dire socio-economic scourge, especially in developing societies.
Due to the culture of silence and other factors, the recorded statistics within these nations
are less than the actual prevalence. This study adopts the mixed research method to
interrogate the effectiveness of subnational government initiatives in prevention and
response to gender-based violence (GBV) in Enugu State, Nigeria. The findings are based on
133 certified copies of returned questionnaires, while the interviews were conducted until
saturation. The study found, among others, that gender based violence is prevalent in
Enugu state. In terms of sub-national government initiatives, the study revealed that
underfunding and a shortage of staff undermined the efforts of the Legal Aid Council and
the state ministry of justice towards addressing GBV cases. The data revealed that the state
partners with NGO's such as Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative
(WRAPA), etc. However, it fails to cover the needs of physically challenged persons;
similarly, most rural residents do not access state-based services against GBV. The state
requires a dedicated budget line for GBV prevention that will enable it to establish more
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and shelters across the state, especially within the
rural areas. There is also a need to train law enforcement agencies and health workers,
engage traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders towards formulating a
comprehensive policy and implementing collaborative efforts in combating the dire
challenges of GBV.

Unpacking the Social Norms and Power Dynamics that Perpetuate the Exclusion of Women in Leadership and Socio-Economic Development in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

2025-12-03T08:22:08+00:00

Leaders are individuals who help to define the aims and goals of groups and organisations and then
help to channel the energy of the group or organisation members to achieve those stated aims.
Women in Nigeria constitutes a large number of the population, so the exclusion of women in
elective and appointment positions and socio-economic development is a significant challenge in
Nigeria, as in other parts of the world, this issue is deeply rooted in political, religious, cultural,
social and economic factors, despite Nigeria’s commitment to 35% affirmative action, women in
Ebonyi State remain significantly underrepresented in elective and leadership positions and so this
impacts negatively on overall socioeconomic development. This paper explores how the power
dynamics intersect with the factors present in the society, revealing the web of social structures
and power relations that maintain gender-based exclusion, information will be gathered through
secondary sources. The theoretical framework that will be used is participatory theory. This
highlighted the imperative of the study and the context specific interventions that challenge and
transform these norms and dynamics, thereby promoting gender inclusivity in governance and
bringing forth equitable socio-economic development.

Socio-Economic Status of Single Mothers and their Children’s Access to Formal Education in Awka South Local Government Area

2025-12-03T08:26:09+00:00

Education is a fundamental human right and a critical tool for the development of individuals and
societies. However, the child or children of single mothers have difficulties accessing formal
education based on the socio-economic status of the mothers. As a result, this examined
socioeconomic status of single mothers and their children’s access to formal education in Awka
South Local Government Area. Five research questions guided the study. Four theories were
reviewed and anchored on functionalism and social influence theory for the theoretical framework.
Qualitative research design was adopted. The target population are single mothers that have given
birth to one or more children. The sample size is 30 participants. Purposive sampling technique was
used to select the participants. In-Depth Interview (IDI) guided the study and was used to collect
qualitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data gotten from the participants. The
study found out that single mothers face complex challenges in securing their children’s education,
influenced by their educational level, income, employment, and time constraints. Strengthening
government support and implementing inclusive policies reduces these barriers, ensure equal
educational access and improving long-term outcomes for children raised in single-parent
households. It was recommended that government should implement educational programmes
aimed at enhancing the literacy and skill levels of single mothers, empowering them to make
informed decisions about their children’s education and better manage their resources. The
government should introduce government and non-governmental programmes that provide
financial assistance to single mothers.

Gender and Crimes in Urban Nigeria: A Systematic Review of Offending and Victimization Patterns in Port Harcourt

2025-12-03T08:33:30+00:00

Gender and crime research has become increasingly prominent in criminological discourse,
particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This study addresses the urgent
need to understand and respond to gendered dynamics of crime in the context of rapid urbanization,
rising insecurity, and persistent gender-based criminalities in Nigeria. By examining trends in both
victimization and offending, this paper aimed at investigating the gendered patterns of criminality in
Port Harcourt. Theoretical orientation of the study anchored in Feminist Criminology and Social
Strain Theory, both of which provided critical insights into the gendered dimensions of crime and
victimization in Port Harcourt. By drawing attention to these disparate trends, the review advocates
for community-based interventions catered to the unique needs of men and women, gender-sensitive
crime prevention tactics, and changes in policing and judicial responses. Developing inclusive and
successful crime control programs in Port Harcourt and other Nigerian cities of a similar nature
requires an understanding of these gendered dynamics. It identifies notable differences in the type,
incidence, and setting of crimes committed by and against men and women in the city, drawing on
empirical research, police records, and academic literature. In contrast to men, who are more likely to
commit violent crimes like armed robbery, cultism, and gang-related violence, women are more
frequently linked to non-violent crimes like petty theft, fraud, and commercial sex work, which are
frequently motivated by financial insecurity. The review also shows that despite the fact that women
and girls are disproportionately impacted by the aforementioned gender-based crimes, these offenses
are not well reported because of institutional inefficiencies, cultural stigma, and fear of reprisals.

The Impact of Learning on Youth Development in Nigeria: A Study of Anambra State

2025-12-03T08:38:50+00:00

This study examined the gendered impact of learning on youth development in Anambra State,
Nigeria, with particular focus on mentoring and knowledge transfer. The general objective was to
determine the relationship between learning and youth development, while specific objectives
included assessing how mentoring influences skill acquisition and how knowledge transfer affects
empowerment among male and female youths. Using a correlational survey design, data was
collected from 300 respondents across five Local Government Areas. Findings revealed that
mentoring significantly enhances skill acquisition and knowledge transfer strengthens youth
empowerment for both genders, though female youths often face structural and cultural barriers in
accessing opportunities. The study concludes that gender-sensitive policies are required to
promote equitable youth development. Recommendations include targeted mentorship for female
youths, government support for inclusive skill acquisition programs, and community-driven
initiatives to reduce gender gaps in empowerment. This research contributes to ongoing debates on
youth development, unemployment, and gender equality in Nigeria.

Perceived Access to Job Resources and Employee Job Satisfaction in Federal Universities in Southeastern Nigeria

2025-12-03T08:42:01+00:00

This study investigated the relationship between perceived access to job resources and employees’
job satisfaction among the staff of federal universities in southeast Nigeria. The study adopted a
mixed method research design. The sample size for the study comprised of 1,043 respondents,
selected from federal universities in Southeastern Nigeria, through proportionate stratified
sampling technique. The structured questionnaire schedule and In-Depth Interview (IDI) Guide
were used to collect data for the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software
version 21 was used to process the quantitative data and descriptive statistics including frequency
count, and simple percentages were used to analyse the data. Hypotheses stated were tested at 0.05
level of significant using t-test, Mann-Whitney U statistical tests. In addition, the qualitative data
were analyzed thematically. Findings of the study suggest that majority of the respondents had
positive perception about feedback given to them by their supervisors/superiors. However,
findings from the qualitative data suggest that this result may be a ‘false positive’ result due to
pretense on the part of the respondents about their job satisfaction. Thus, the qualitative data
suggest that most employees are dissatisfied with their jobs but prefer to remain protective of their
respective institutions due to the prevailing unemployment and lack of effective job security system
within the Nigerian context. The study recommends that university management prioritize
improving access to tangible resources like research loans, health insurance, and on-the-job
training.

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Gender-Based Violence against Men in Kogi State, Nigeria

2025-12-03T08:50:17+00:00

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant social and public health problem globally. While women
are disproportionately affected, men can also be victims, though this phenomenon receives scant
attention, particularly in African contexts like Nigeria. This study assessed the socio-demographic
determinants of GBV against married men in Kogi State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to
examine the prevalence of GBV, identify influencing socio-demographic factors, and evaluate its effects
on men. The study was anchored on the Frustration-Aggression and Social Cognitive theories. A cross-
sectional descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from 424 married men in Ankpa
LGA using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study
revealed a high prevalence (85.5%) of GBV, with verbal (98.3%), emotional (94.8%), sexual (91.9%),
and psychological (82.3%) violence being the most common forms; physical violence was the least
reported (37.9%). Key socio-demographic determinants included younger age at marriage, lower
educational attainment, unemployment, lower household income, and rural residence. The effects on
men included depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, trauma, and marital instability. The study
recommends that the Nigerian government and relevant NGOs create awareness about GBV against
men and establish marital counseling centers where male victims can seek confidential support and
intervention.

“They are not Proper Boys”: Youth Interpretations and Policing of Transgressive Gender Behaviours a Heteronormative School Space in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

2025-12-03T09:15:21+00:00

In the Conservative socio-cultural context of Northern Nigeria, schools are potent sites for reinforcing
heteronormative gender norms. These norms seek to construct and regulate the behaviours of young
people in ways that conform to heteronormative ideas of masculinities and femininities, thereby,
denying young people agency in the construction of their social identities. Therefore, the study
investigates how students in a Kaduna secondary school interpret and respond to peer behaviours that
transgress these norms. A six-month qualitative ethnographic study was conducted, using participant
observations, focus group discussions and semi structured interviews with students aged 13-20 years.
Findings reveal a gendered double standard: girls adopting masculine behaviours (tomboy/agbero)
were often admired for accessing male power and freedom, while boys exhibiting feminine traits (boy-
girl/Charlie-charlie) were ridiculed and policed for failing hegemonic masculinities. However,
instances of peer support and sympathy indicate spaces for negotiation. The study argues that the
heteronormative school environment is a dynamic arena where youths actively enforce, but also
sometimes challenge, gender boundaries. It underscores the urgent need for inclusive educational
policies in Nigeria that affirm gender diversity.