PROSTITUTION AND VALUE OF WOMEN IN NIGERIA: A SEARCH FOR SOCIO-RELIGIOUS SOLUTIONS

摘要

Prostitution is a national menace that stigmatizes Nigerians as it is expected that women should be highly valued. Nigerians value women and place great premium on them and expect a life of decency from them. In contemporary era, chastity and sexual immorality have become a great challenge amongst most Nigerian women as prostitution has eaten deep into the fabrics of their lives. Some female youths see prostitution as the only option for survival due to poverty, joblessness, unemployment, abuse, human trafficking, etc. that is prevalent in the country. No wonder the value of women keeps dropping by the day. By examining the interest of cultural, economic, and religious influences, this research aims to identify potential solutions that promote women’s dignity and empowerment. This study seeks to explore the concept of prostitution, the causative factors of prostitution in Nigeria, the impact of prostitution in Nigeria, and the socio-religious panacea to prostitution in Nigeria. The analytical method is used as well as the utilization of books, journals, internet sources and so on. Findings reveal that poverty, lack of education, and cultural norms perpetuate prostitution in Nigeria. The study recommends that every culture should prosecute prostitutes and those who are in the business of purchasing sex in their locality to serve deterrent to others and promote women’s dignity.