Imperatives for Curbing the Growing Violence against Women and Girls in Nigeria: Options Beyond Legislation, Sympathy and Public Condemnation

Objectives Despite the high prevalence of sexual violence among young and adolescent women in Nigeria, there is a paucity of studies on the extent of sexual violence among adolescent girls, especially unpartnered girls, and the role of parental violence. This study assesses the prevalence of self-reported sexual violence and the influence of exposure to parental violence among unpartnered adolescent girls (aged 15–19) in Nigeria. Methods The women’s data (n = 5,145) from the 2013 and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys were pooled and analyzed with descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regressions. Results Of all adolescent girls, 5.65% had ever experienced sexual violence, 94.09% said they never did, and 0.26% did not respond. Adolescent Girls exposed to parental violence were more likely to have ever experienced sexual violence than the unexposed girls (aRRR= 1.90; 95% CI: 1.29–2.79). Conclusion Interventions to prevent sexual violence among adolescent girls should sensitize parents on the potential negative implications of parental violence for their daughters’ wellbeing.

Purpose: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a Mega-Designathon Bootcamp in enhancing HPV-related knowledge and research skills to improve HPV vaccination rates among girls in Nigeria. Evidence shows that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are available to prevent cancer in low- and middle-income countries. However, the uptake and continuation of these vaccines among end users remain low in Nigeria. Understanding various participatory implementation approaches can help identify locally sourced strategies and build knowledge and skills to promote sustained uptake. Methods: We utilized crowdsourced open calls to gather tailored strategies among youth for enhancing HPV vaccination uptake and sustainability. Submissions were initially screened for Artificial Intelligence use, and expert judges subsequently shortlisted the top ten teams from 365 submissions to advance to the designathon, where they refined their ideas with expert guidance. Five teams (n = 16) were rigorously selected, advancing to the mega bootcamp phase for further training. The PEN-3 cultural model informed our analysis, and we performed pre- and post-analysis of the bootcamp training survey responses. Results: The five teams involved 16 participants, mostly female (81%), with an average age of 22 years. Qualitative results indicated that participants were motivated to participate in the mega bootcamp by their desire to learn, network, and make a positive impact on their community’s health. Key training resources identified included access to the internet, mentorship, and honesty throughout the training. Following the bootcamp, median (IQR) knowledge scores improved from 33 (30.8–35.3) to 36 (34.0–40.0); (p = 0.043), while research skills scores increased from 55 (46.8–60.3) to 81 (73.5–93.5); (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The mega bootcamp helped participants learn more about HPV and cervical cancer while improving their implementation science research skills. The bootcamp demonstrated that structured and participatory approaches can promote engagement and learning. Empowering youth with the right resources and mentorship can drive sustainable HPV vaccination initiatives in Nigeria. This study highlights the importance of community-driven strategies in addressing public health challenges and promoting greater uptake and sustainability of evidence-based interventions like HPV vaccination. Citation Format: Peter Kalulu, Olufunto A. Olusanya, Nkiruka Obodoechina, Maria Afadapa, Abideen Salako, Joseph Ogbeh, Priscilla A. Kabutey, Caven N. Ngoe, Emily Miller, Temitope Ojo, Folahanmi T. Akinsolu, Ucheoma Nwaozuru, Olaywola Olaitan, Idris A. Oladosu, Collins O. Airhihenbuwa, Joseph D. Tucker, Juliet Iwelunmor. Participatory Implementation Science to Enhance Knowledge and Build Capacity for Increasing the Uptake and Sustainability of HPV Vaccination Among Girls in Nigeria [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 50.

Sexual harassment constitutes a form of gender- based violence that is prevalent globally and particularly in Nigeria. This form of violence inhibits the human rights of women and girls, recognized in international and regional instruments. Although, sexual harassment is not gender specific, however, going by the available statistics on the victims of this form of violence, the female gender is mostly at the receiving end. Consequently, sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination. Using the desktop research method, this article examines sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions by highlighting the nature, scope and types of sexual harassment, the article further explores the incidences of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions, equally, it discusses the impact of sexual harassment on the human rights of women and girls in Nigeria, in the same vein, it examines the legal framework on sexual harassment in Nigeria. This paper argues that even though sexual harassment is on the increase in Nigerian tertiary institutions, the efforts of the government and the institutions to curb this major human right challenge seems to be grossly inadequate. The study concludes that sexual harassment is a gross violation of the human rights of the victims and that its impact on the quality of education in higher institutions of learning is grave. It recommended that government should make a concerted effort in ensuring the domestication of international and regional human rights treaties on sexual harassment and also ensure the implementation of the domesticated treaties to curtail sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The paper further recommended that regular sensitization of staff and students of these institutions will also go a long way in stemming the tide of sexual harassment. There is a need for policies on Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. Also, stiffer punishments need to be meted out to erring lecturers.

Gender-based biases manifest themselves through various means in Nigeria, such as restricted access to education, employment opportunities and healthcare services, unequal payment structures and sexual harassment. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 guarantees freedom against all forms of discriminatory practices. In an attempt to guarantee human rights for women and girls in Nigeria, the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill was passed in 2015 but never put into action. Despite being a State party to several regional and international human rights instruments that promote non-discrimination and gender equality, Nigerian women are still subjected to unjustified mistreatment based on their sex which results in economic deprivations, social inequalities, and other forms of gender-based abuse that impede sustainable development efforts. This study employs doctrinal legal research methodology to provide variable insights into assessing. The study, therefore, found that there are several factors affecting the enforceability of gender discrimination laws in Nigeria which include; lack of effective enforcement mechanisms, awareness and education, non-domestication and implementation of gender laws and policies. The study further found that the domestication and implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) could serve as a solution for overcoming the above challenges. The study conclude by recommending the need for stricter law enforcement measures, educating rural Nigerian women, and domestication of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination and other gender-friendly laws that are yet to be domesticated.

This paper examines the determinants of adult cognitive competencies and of child school participation in the Terai region of Nepal. Data on three generations from 795 rural farm households were analyzed. The results of the analysis are: 1) First generation (grandparent) landholdings, literacy and caste status were significant determinants of second generation "innate ability" as measured by the "Ravens Progressive Matrices" (RPM) test. 2) RPM was a significant determinant of second generation schooling. 3) Second generation schooling was a significant determinant of second generation literacy, numeracy, reading comprehension and attitudinal modernity. 4) Attitudinal modernity was a significant determinant of attitude toward school for all households, but not for the subset of households in villages for which school availability data had been obtained. 5) In these latter villages, there was no relationship between school availability and a positive attitude toward school. 6) Third generation child school participation was determined jointly by second generation landholdings, caste, schooling and numeracy, and attitudinal modernity, and the child's sex. 7) Girls were significantly less likely to have completed at least one year of school than were boys. 8) The presence of small children in the household only slightly decreased girls' chances to participate in school. 9) School availability had no tffect on child school participation.

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can prevent cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but its uptake remains low, especially in Nigeria. Understanding participatory approaches can help identify local strategies to increase, build capacity for, and sustain vaccine uptake. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an innovation bootcamp in enhancing the knowledge and skills of youth implementers about HPV and cervical cancer as a strategy to increase vaccine uptake among Nigerian girls aged 9–14 years. An innovation bootcamp is an intensive training program that engages end users to build capacity and skills.MethodsThis was a five-week hybrid bootcamp guided by Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) and the PEN-3 cultural model at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected using pre- and post-training surveys to assess sociodemographic characteristics, participant preparation, motivations, support needs, baseline learning barriers, the bootcamp process, and knowledge and implementation science research skills (using 9-item and 22-item self-reported scales, respectively). We conducted descriptive analyses of quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative, open-ended responses, and we estimated changes in knowledge and skills using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test.ResultsFive teams comprised of 16 participants attended the bootcamp, and 13 completed the post-survey. Of the 16 participants, most were female (81%) with an average age of 22 years and resided in the following states: Osun (n = 5), Abuja (n = 4), Lagos (n = 2), Kwara (n = 2), Oyo (n = 2), and Plateau (n = 1). The PEN-3 cultural model highlighted the importance of training and enabling resources. Following the bootcamp, the median knowledge score increased from 34 (IQR 31.0–35.0) to 37 (IQR 35.0–40.0), but this change was not statistically significant (p = 0.086). In contrast, there was a significant increase in research skills score from 54 (IQR 43.0–61.0) to 82 (IQR 73.0–96.0) (p = 0.011).ConclusionsThe bootcamp demonstrated that culturally structured participatory approaches can enhance engagement, knowledge, and skills while cultivating participatory learning communities. Empowering young people with appropriate resources and mentorship can propel sustainable HPV vaccination in Nigeria.

Education is a global human right phenomenon. An evaluation of the concept of education would show that development would not be possible without actual education. It is a factor that will help one reach his full potential and become the best version of himself, a series of steps to improve natural talent, gain knowledge in new areas, and impart knowledge to other people. Therefore, girls should have equal access and opportunities for education without discrimination due to their gender. This paper discusses the challenges of effective participation and equal opportunities for girls, with an emphasis on their right to education in terms of policy and practice. Using qualitative doctrinal research methodology, the researcher explores literatures on the obstacles to girl child education alongside existing regulations; hence, the researcher discovers that harmful traditional practices, lack of quality sanitation and hygiene, discriminatory government policies, and incessant insecurity are key challenges to the girl child regarding education. Therefore, the researcher recommends that society fosters girls' active participation, equal opportunities, and long-term success by prioritising inclusive education, empowering girls, engaging communities, and advocating policy reforms.

This study examines the chronic causes of school violence at secondary schools in South Africa. The prevalence of violence within South African schools has drawn attention from various stakeholders due to its multifaceted nature. It encompasses forms like bullying, factional conflicts, substance-related incidents, and more. Such violence, whether physical or emotional, inflicts severe harm on both individuals and the educational system. A comprehensive report by the South African Institute of Race Relations highlighted the alarming status of school safety, echoing media coverage that underscored the widespread nature of these issues in schools across the nation. Employing an interpretive paradigm and a case study centered on secondary schools in the King Cetshwayo District sought to explore the causes of violence. The purpose of this study is to identify the underlying causes driving this concerning trend, guided by Social Learning and Social-Ecological Development theories. We used a qualitative method to collect data through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analyses. To ensure the credibility of findings, data from multiple sources was triangulated. Analysis of the data followed thematic approach, and findings were presented thematically. Both internal and external factors influence the causes of school violence, according to the findings. Given these findings, we recommended a collaborative and integrated approach among all stakeholders to effectively tackle and mitigate the pervasive issue of school violence.

The present study on "main cause and Impact of domestic Violence against women in Tikapur Municipality was undertaken in the backdrop of report appearing in visual and written media depicting in human treatment to the women meted to them by their own family members. Only 10 women who are suffering from domestic violence were included in the study through purposive and snowball sampling method. the main objective of this study is to find out the main cause and impact of domestic violence against women the study finding that domestic violence in the study areas was found among women of all age groups. According to the patriarchal norms and low status of women did not prepared even old women more than 45 years from being a victim of violence Illiteracy teenage marriage, low economic status as well as religious norms and values are the main cause of violence. Respondents are suffering from physical, mental emotional and sexual violence and it carried different kinds of problems like. Physical mental and reproductive health problems and negative health behaviors are seen in the study area.

Domestic violence is a global plague that destroys families and societies and threatens people’s health. The present study was conducted in the city of Rasht to investigate types and causes of domestic violence along with coping strategies to deal with it from the perspective of its victims. The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 110 women referring to family courts in Rasht during the year 2014. The samples were selected using convenience sampling method. The data were collected via a questionnaire covering demographic characteristics of the subjects and the World Health Organization Violence against Women Instrument. Using the SPSS-18 software, the collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA (p<0.05). The average age of the participants was 33.94±6.92 years and the most prevalent type of domestic violence was psychological violence (44.13), including shouting and swearing as the most common forms (n=34; 61.8). From the perspective of women victims of domestic violence, the main causes of domestic violence were economic problems (47.3) and drug/alcohol abuse (43.6). A majority of the examined women (68.09) believed that logical talk is a good strategy to reduce domestic violence. Considering the high rate of domestic violence against Iranian women, preventive measures must be included in mental health policies and resources must be dedicated to reduce the rate of violence against women. It is also important to identify the causes of violence and strategies to deal with it. © RJPT All right reserved.

BackgroundPrimary care physicians underestimate the prevalence of domestic violence and community violence. Victims are therefore at risk of further episodes of violence, with psychological and physical consequences. We used an interview to assess the prevalence of domestic and community violence among Swiss natives and foreigners. In a follow-up study, we evaluated the consequences of the interview for the positive patients.MethodsWe evaluated the prevalence of violence by use of a questionnaire in an interview, in an academic general internal medicine clinic in Switzerland. In a follow-up, we evaluated the consequences of the interview for positive patients. The participants were 38 residents and 446 consecutive patients. Questionnaires were presented in the principal language spoken by our patients. They addressed sociodemographics, present and past violence, the security or lack of security felt by victims of violence, and the patients' own violence. Between 3 and 6 months after the first interview, we did a follow-up of all patients who had reported domestic violence in the last year.ResultsOf the 366 patients included in the study, 36 (9.8%) reported being victims of physical violence during the last year (physicians identified only 4 patients out of the 36), and 34/366 (9.3%) reported being victims of psychological violence. Domestic violence was responsible for 67.3% of the cases, and community violence for 21.8%. In 10.9% of the cases, both forms of violence were found.Of 29 patients who reported being victims of domestic violence, 22 were found in the follow-up. The frequency of violence had diminished (4/22) or the violence had ceased (17/22).ConclusionThe prevalence of violence is high; domestic violence is more frequent than community violence. There was no statistically significant difference between the Swiss and foreign patients' responses related to the rates of violence. Patients in a currently violent relationship stated that participating in the study helped them and that the violence decreased or ceased a few months later.

Context: Violence is defined as behavior aimed at harming another person, resulting in physical, sexual, or psychological damage. Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the prevalence of domestic violence in Iran. Methods: Persian and English articles were searched in the MagIran, SID, Google Scholar, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed databases using keywords such as domestic violence, prevalence, spousal abuse, Iran, physical violence, mental violence, and sexual violence. After screening 725 studies, 47 eligible studies were included in the analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of violence against Iranian women was found to be 59%. The highest prevalence of violence against women was observed in region 3 (66%) and region 1 (63%). The prevalence of violence against pregnant women was 61%, while it was 58% for non-pregnant women. The prevalence of physical violence was 25%, mental violence was 50%, and sexual violence was 20%. Studies that used standard and researcher-made tools reported a prevalence of violence against women of 60% and 58%, respectively. Conclusions: Violence can lead to chronic and destructive diseases. Domestic violence is more prevalent in African, Asian, and South American countries than in European and American countries. Education, level of awareness, and financial independence are related to violence. Therefore, policymakers should focus on improving awareness, educational opportunities, and financial independence to reduce domestic violence.

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsWorkplace violence (WPV) against healthcare personnel is now a recorded issue that impacts their daily practice. The primary aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence and underlying factors contributing to violence against health workers in Kosovo during the challenging period of the Covid‐19 pandemic.MethodsThis study is a cross‐sectional research approach that involves quantitative research, and it was conducted with 1110 healthcare workers from all three levels of healthcare facilities between January and February 2022.ResultsSixty‐nine (6.2%) health workers reported being physically assaulted, 462 (41.6%) experienced psychological violence, and 54 (4.9%) experienced sexual harassment in the previous twelve months. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of physical violence and sexual harassment, among all three levels of healthcare institutions (x2: 2.491, and 2.577, respectively, p > 0.05). The prevalence of psychological violence was significantly higher in tertiary healthcare institutions compared to primary and secondary healthcare institutions (x2:7.165, p = 0.028). 19 out of 69 (27.5%) reported being hurt as a result of physical violence and seeking medical care. The patients' relatives were the most common physical attackers (36.2%), followed by the patients themselves (34.8%). During the COVID‐19 pandemic, 54.5% of respondents reported being sexually harassed more frequently than before the pandemic (45.5%). 38.9% (n = 432) of respondents were uninformed of a procedure for reporting violence within the healthcare facility.ConclusionThe prevalence of physical and psychological violence, and sexual harassment among healthcare workers in Kosovo is upsetting and inexcusable. The absence of proper reactions in the event of violence, as well as awareness about how to report incidences of violence, indicates an urgent and necessary need for healthcare workers education on this subject.

ABSTRACTDomestic violence against women is a crime that has continued unabated at a very high rate in Nigeria. There are very minimal records of reportage of such offences, particularly in developing parts of the world where such incidents may be subtly encouraged by the culture and societal norms prevalent in the society in question. The increasing scourge of domestic violence against women in Nigeria continues at an astronomical scale, posing serious physical, mental, psychological and reproductive health challenges to women and girls in Nigeria, despite a plethora of legal and regulatory mechanisms proscribing all forms of violence in Nigeria. This article critically examines the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, and its prospects in combating the scourge of domestic violence against women in Nigeria. This essay recommends that necessary institutional measures be put in place for the strict enforcement of the provisions of this law.

Both domestic violence and sexual harassment may adversely affect women's health but often go unrecognized. To assess women veterans' experiences with domestic violence and with sexual harassment while in the military as well as the relationship of such experiences to health and health care utilization. We surveyed all 191 women hospitalized from March 1992 to 1993 at the Minneapolis (Minn) Veterans Affairs Medical Center and 411 randomly selected female outpatients. Data were collected using an anonymous validated questionnaire. Results were stratified by age and analyzed using both bivariable and multivariable techniques. Twenty-four percent of respondents under age 50 years reported domestic violence in the past year and 90% reported sexual harassment while in the military. Among older respondents, 7% said they had experienced domestic violence in the past year and 37% reported a history of sexual harassment while in the military. Of those who reported domestic violence in the past year, 50% of respondents under age 50 years and 28% of older respondents said that at least one assault was life-threatening. Rates of reports of completed and attempted sexual assaults while in the military were 20 times higher than previous reports by other government employees. Respondents with a history of either domestic violence (odds ratio, 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38 to 5.78) or sexual harassment while in the military (odds ratio, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.22 to 6.53) were more than twice as likely to report a history of anxiety or depression, and a history of domestic violence was associated with more lifetime surgical procedures (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.33). Histories of domestic violence within the past year and of sexual harassment while in the military are common among women veterans. Both may be associated with adverse effects on mental and physical health.