Violence against Women in Africa: A Case Study of Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This work focused on violence against women in Africa: A case study ofNkerefi, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The rate of gender-based violence in Nigeria has moved from an alarming state to a fatal stage. Worst still, the culture of gender-based violence is ingrained in the socio-cultural and traditional practices of many African societies. This paper examined that in Eastern Nigeria, there are various traditional rites that foster the abuse of women. Some of which are the widowhood rites and practices and female genital mutilation. The paper finds out that, women are dehumanised by society if they are found childless or are unable to give birth to male offspring. The paper, thus argues that economic factor adds to the varying reasons for gender-based violence. And that in rural-urban areas located in Enugu state, this phenomenon is obvious, as the rate of poverty encouraged abuses. Various forms of abuse include beating, assault, rape and sex without consent, economic deprivation and threats, unequal distribution of household power, and so on. Relying on both primary and secondary sources, this study further argues that gender-based violence is becoming rampant in an environment bedeviled with a high level of poverty, low literacy level, and conservative practice of ancient socio-cultural norms. This paper is historical; hence, it adopts a qualitative method of analysis. A useful piece of information was obtained from important relevant documents, reports, and an array of secondary sources.