Gender-based crimes against women in Katsina State Nigeria: Patterns, causes & response
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35719/annisa.v18i1.313The main problem in this study is the increasing incidence of gender-based crimes against women in Katsina State, Nigeria. The research highlights recurring patterns of violence, examines the social, cultural, and economic causes, and assesses the effectiveness of institutional and community responses in preventing and addressing such crimes. This study aims to identify patterns of gender-based crimes against women in Katsina State, analyze the underlying causes, and evaluate the effectiveness of responses and interventions by institutions and the community. This study employed a qualitative design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore participants’ lived experiences. Guided by Intersectional and Feminist Theories, data were collected through in-depth interviews with survivors and key informants from the Katsina State GBV Center. The study reveals that most GBV survivors in Katsina State are young, uneducated women facing resource deprivation and exploitation, particularly internal refugees. Cultural norms, poverty, and a weak judicial system hinder recovery. Although efforts have been made by the GBV Center and organizations, challenges such as delayed prosecution persist. Using feminist and intersectional theories, the study recommends awareness campaigns, support for internal refugee camps, timely legal action, GBV education in schools, and employment opportunities to empower women and reduce gender-based violence. The study contributes to emphasizing the need for an interdisciplinary approach using feminist and intersectional frameworks to understand victims’ vulnerabilities. These findings encourage the development of more effective policies and integrated interventions to enhance the protection and empowerment of women in the region.
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