GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: A BARRIER TO ACHIEVING HUMAN RIGHTS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) constitutes a significant impediment to the realization of human rights and the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Nigeria. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence, drivers, and consequences of GBV within the Nigerian context, examining its profound impact on individuals, communities, and the nation's developmental trajectory. Drawing upon empirical evidence and scholarly literatures, the paper elucidates the intersecting dynamics of gender inequality, cultural norms, socioeconomic disparities, and institutional weaknesses that perpetuate GBV in Nigeria. The paper begins by contextualizing the various forms of GBV prevalent in Nigeria, including domestic violence, sexual assault, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), child marriage, and trafficking. It explores the underlying structural factors such as patriarchal attitudes, unequal power relations, weak legal frameworks, and inadequate access to justice that contribute to the perpetuation of GBV. The paper will further highlight how cultural practices, religious beliefs, and socio-economic inequalities intersect to exacerbate vulnerability to GBV. A critical examination of the consequences of GBV reveals its profound and multifaceted impacts on individuals and communities in Nigeria, ranging from physical and psychological trauma to restricted access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Moreover, the paper underscores the broader societal ramifications of GBV, including diminished productivity, weakened social cohesion, and impediments to sustainable development efforts across various sectors. Against this backdrop, the paper evaluates existing policy and legal frameworks aimed at addressing GBV in Nigeria, highlighting gaps, challenges, and opportunities for reform. It discusses the importance of multi-sectorial responses that integrate prevention, protection, and support services, while also emphasizing the need for greater accountability, enforcement, and coordination among relevant stakeholders. The paper underscores the importance of engaging men and boys as allies, challenging harmful gender norms, and promoting gender-sensitive approaches to development. In conclusion, the paper calls for a renewed commitment to combating GBVin Nigeria, grounded in human rights principles and aligned with the SDGs agenda. By prioritizing the elimination of GBV as a national priority and investing in comprehensive, evidence-based interventions, Nigeria can foster a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society.