Evaluation of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Women Empowerment in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on women empowerment in Cross River State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The study collected data from women of childbearing age in the Northern, Central, and Southern Senatorial Districts of Cross River State. The population consisted of 600 respondents, which accounted for 6% of the total population of 6000. The respondents were selected using cluster sampling, with 200 participants drawn from each Senatorial District. To collect the data, two validated instruments were utilized: the Gender-Based Violence Survey (GBVS) and the Women Empowerment Scale (WES). The reliability of these instruments was tested using Cronbach's Alpha, resulting in indices of 0.87 and 0.88, respectively. Data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation. Findings indicated that the majority of women in Cross River State have experienced some form of GBV, with physical violence being the most prevalent (mean = 6.23, SD = 3.29). Also, the results indicate that women who experience GBV face challenges in accessing education, employment, and credit, social isolation, barriers in participating in political processes, severe psychological consequences and PTSD and challenges in accessing health and reproductive healthcare services. The results equally showed that community-level factors, such as socioeconomic and cultural norms were influencing the risk of women facing gender-based violence (GBV). Also, poverty, social exclusion, gender inequality, and discriminatory attitudes towards women are identified as key risk factors. It was also found that effective measures to mitigate the disempowering impacts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on women include implementing policies and programmes that promote gender equality and empower women, such as education and economic empowerment initiatives. It was concluded that addressing these factors is crucial to prevent and reduce gender-based violence. It was there recommended among others that the government should strengthen laws and policies that protect women from GBV and promote gender equality.