Most dangerous countries for women why nigeria is ranked ninth in the world
According to the 2021 Global Report on Violence Against Women, Nigeria is indeed ranked 9th among the most dangerous countries for women. Here are some reasons why:
- Gender-based violence: Nigeria has a high prevalence of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. A survey by the National Bureau of Statistics found that 1 in 5 women in Nigeria has experienced physical or sexual violence.
- Female genital mutilation (FGM): FGM is still prevalent in some parts of Nigeria, with an estimated 25% of women and girls having undergone the practice. FGM can lead to serious health complications, including infection, infertility, and even death.
- Child marriage: Child marriage is common in Nigeria, with an estimated 43% of girls married before the age of 18. This can lead to early pregnancy, increased risk of maternal mortality, and limited educational and economic opportunities.
- Sexual violence: Nigeria has a high incidence of sexual violence, including rape, which is often committed by intimate partners or family members. A survey by the Nigerian government found that 1 in 10 women has experienced sexual violence.
- Human trafficking: Nigeria is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking, with many women and girls being trafficked for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and organ harvesting.
- Limited access to education and economic opportunities: Women in Nigeria often have limited access to education and economic opportunities, which can contribute to their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
- Cultural and religious beliefs: In some parts of Nigeria, cultural and religious beliefs can perpetuate harmful practices against women, such as FGM and child marriage.
- Lack of effective laws and enforcement: Nigeria's laws and policies aimed at protecting women from violence are often inadequate or poorly enforced, which can contribute to a culture of impunity.
The Nigerian government has taken some steps to address these issues, including the establishment of a National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the passage of laws to prevent and punish gender-based violence. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of violence against women in Nigeria and to ensure that women have equal rights and opportunities.
Sources:
- Global Report on Violence Against Women (2021)
- National Bureau of Statistics (Nigeria)
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
- Human Rights Watch (HRW)
- Amnesty International (AI)