UNSEEN STRUGGLES: ADDRESSING ADOLESCENT GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN SOUTHERN KADUNA’S CONFLICT ZONES.
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Abstract
Background:
Gender-based violence is a threat to public health and affects women and girls in different ways and forms. Women and girls around the world are often the targets — either directly or caught in the crossfire of inter-communal violence. They also bear the brunt of economic pressures through displacement, loss of livelihood, and property destruction, or the loss of household breadwinners because of the violence.
This study delved into the investigation of gender-based violence among adolescents in conflict settings of Southern Kaduna, focusing on Zangon-Kataf.
Methodology:
The research utilizes a cross-sectional design with simple random and convenient sampling technique among adolescents who were chosen from secondary schools, community, churches, mosques, and youth clubs at a particular time, providing a snapshot of forms of gender-based violence among adolescents in conflict areas using Zangon-Kataf.
Data were amassed via structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS.
Results:
Findings were presented through percentages in tables. Results revealed that a majority of adolescents or respondents reported having experienced GBV at some point in their lives. The findings of this study underscore that while a certain percentage of respondents reported not experiencing GBV in the past year, a significant proportion experienced it rarely, occasionally, or frequently. This suggests that GBV is an ongoing issue in the community, with many individuals experiencing repeated instances of violence.
Furthermore, the study disclosed that the community was identified as the most frequent location for GBV incidents, followed by the workplace and home. In addition, physical violence was cited as the most common form of GBV experienced by male adolescents, while sexual violence was the most prevalent form for female adolescents.
Conclusion:
It is crucial to recognize that gender-based violence not only violates the fundamental human rights of adolescents but also perpetuates harmful gender norms and inequalities. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving community engagement, legal reforms, and the provision of comprehensive support services for survivors.
Additionally, addressing gender-based violence among adolescents in conflict settings like Southern Kaduna requires a collective commitment from local and international stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, and the international community.
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References
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