Forms, Risk Factors, and Coping Strategies of Gender-Based Violence among Women in Agricultural Firms in Ondo State

Abstract

Globally, there are growing concern on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), its emergence and resultant effects and coping strategies have been sparsely researched and documented. Gender Based Violence simply refers to a harmful act directed at individuals based on their gender, which includes but not limited to physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse. The study identified common forms, explored the risk factors, and assessed coping strategies of GBV in Akure, Ondo State. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty respondents but feedback was received from only a hundred and ten respondents. Primary data were obtained using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square, and factor analysis. Results showed that the most common forms of GBV reported were physical violence, sexual violence, emotional abuse, economic violence, and verbal abuse. Also, major risk factors were cultural norms, poverty, and organizational factors. Coping strategies included family and friends support and finding a solution. Chi-square results indicated a significant relationship between income and coping strategies. The study concluded that GBV driven by poverty, cultural norms, and weak support systems undermines the livelihood and wellbeing of women. It was recommended that women gender policy should be institutionalized in the state by the state Ministry for Women affairs and Social Development to enable women understand their rights and all aspect of GBV in workplace and in Nigeria. Globally, there are growing concern on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), its emergence and resultant effects and coping strategies have been sparsely researched and documented. Gender Based Violence simply refers to a harmful act directed at individuals based on their gender, which includes but not limited to physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse. The study identified common forms, explored the risk factors, and assessed coping strategies of GBV in Akure, Ondo State. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty respondents but feedback was received from only a hundred and ten respondents. Primary data were obtained using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square, and factor analysis. Results showed that the most common forms of GBV reported were physical violence, sexual violence, emotional abuse, economic violence, and verbal abuse. Also, major risk factors were cultural norms, poverty, and organizational factors. Coping strategies included family and friends support and finding a solution. Chi-square results indicated a significant relationship between income and coping strategies. The study concluded that GBV driven by poverty, cultural norms, and weak support systems undermines the livelihood and wellbeing of women. It was recommended that women gender policy should be institutionalized in the state by the state Ministry for Women affairs and Social Development to enable women understand their rights and all aspect of GBV in workplace and in Nigeria.