There is a common problem that gender research has discovered. Many families stay quiet when children are hurt. They feel shame and fear. But staying quiet does not help children heal.
March 2025, a four-year-old girl named Amina lived in Kontagora, Nigeria. A 37-year-old man named Isah knew her family. He gave Amina candy and then hurt her very badly. He raped her.
Amina could not talk after this happened. She was too scared and hurt. Her aunt Hadiza was also scared to tell anyone. She worried, “What will people say? Her future will be ruined if this gets out.”
How Gender Research Leads to Better Help
Gender research showed that Amina needed help right away. A group of helpers in Kontagora learned about her case. This group includes doctors, social workers, and police officers who work together.
They gave Amina free medical care and helped catch the man who hurt her. Now Isah is in jail waiting for his trial. Gender research helped create this system of care.
Since 2023, this helping group has cared for 27 children who faced sexual violence. Each child represents a success story built on gender research findings.
What Gender Research Teaches Us About Community Help
The Kontagora Care Team
Gender research shows that the best help comes from communities working together. In Kontagora, several groups joined forces. They include the Rayuwa Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Kontagora General Hospital, the Social Welfare Unit, and police.
These helpers do not wait for children to come to them. Gender research proved that shame and distance stop families from getting help. So the team calls families on the phone. They visit homes. They make it easy for children to get care.
Hussaini Muhammed leads one helping group called GLEAI. He said, “Many families in rural areas cannot easily reach health centers, or they are too ashamed. Our job is to make the process simple.”
Fatima Aliyu works at the local government office. She explained what happens: “We send survivors to the General Hospital where they get routine screening, medicine to prevent infections, antibiotics, counseling, and contraceptives. We also talk to parents about why early help is important.”
What Children Receive
Gender research proves that children need several types of help:
Medical care comes first. Doctors check children for injuries and infections. They give medicine to prevent diseases. They provide treatment for physical wounds.
Counseling helps children talk about their feelings. Special helpers teach children that what happened was not their fault. They help families understand how to support their children.
Legal help ensures that people who hurt children face consequences. The care team works with police and courts to make sure justice happens.
Gender Research and Laws That Protect Children
Problems with Nigerian Laws
Gender research reveals big problems with laws in Nigeria. The country has a law called the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act from 2015. But many states, including Niger state where Amina lives, have not adopted this law.
Without this law, people who hurt children might not get strong punishments. The old laws from the Criminal and Penal Codes are too weak. They do not protect children well enough.
Gender research also found another problem. The Child Rights Act says children cannot marry before age 18. But many states ignore this law. They allow very young girls to marry. This creates confusion about what counts as rape.
When girls are forced to marry young, people claim the sexual activity is okay because of marriage. But gender research shows this is just another form of violence against children.
Success in The Gambia
Gender research from The Gambia shows what success looks like. In July 2024, The Gambia’s parliament voted to keep their law against female genital mutilation.
Female genital mutilation, or FGM, is when parts of a girl’s private body are cut off. This causes terrible pain. It leads to infections and causes problems when women try to have babies.
Mariama Sanyang experienced FGM when she was six years old. She now helps other girls avoid this harm. She started a group called The Girls Agenda. Mariama said, “We need to believe in survivor stories and understand that the harmfulness of FGM is not just hearsay.”
Gender research proved that FGM hurts girls. About 76 out of 100 women in The Gambia have experienced FGM. Among younger girls aged 0-14, the number dropped to 45 out of 100. This shows that education and laws are working.
How Gender Research Creates Better Programs
Education Programs
Gender research shows that education stops violence. When communities learn what violence looks like, they can protect children better. The Gambia created a National FGM Strategy and Action Plan for 2021-2025.
Oumie Jagne works with Think Young Women, a group that helps girls in The Gambia. She said, “Involving key stakeholders, including young men, boys, religious and traditional leaders, and women, is essential. Strengthening social media campaigns can also help inform everyone about the dangers of FGM.”
Working with Community Leaders
Gender research proves that community leaders have great power. When traditional rulers and religious leaders support children’s safety, more people listen.
The Gambian government works with UNICEF and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare. Together, they talk to community leaders. They explain what gender research has found. They help leaders become champions for children’s safety.
Challenges Gender Research Has Discovered
Cultural Beliefs
Gender research shows that some people resist change. Imam Abdoulie Fatty in The Gambia supports FGM. He argues that FGM is part of culture and religion. He said, “The Gambia was built by different ethnic groups. All of them were practicing FGM. This was in the centuries.”
But gender research proves that culture can change to protect children. Just because something happened for a long time does not make it right.
Sadly, at least two babies in The Gambia died from FGM. One baby was only one month old. She lived in Wellingara. Another child died in 2016 in Kiang Sankandi. A five-month-old baby also died in Sankandi Village. These deaths prove that FGM is very dangerous.
Fear and Shame
Gender research consistently finds that fear and shame stop families from getting help. In Kontagora, Amina’s aunt Hadiza almost stayed quiet. She worried about what neighbors would say.
But staying silent lets dangerous people hurt more children. Gender research teaches communities that speaking up protects everyone.
What Gender Research Tells Us About Solutions
Laws Must Be Strong
Gender research proves that strong laws save children. Nigeria needs all states to adopt the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act. This law gives better protection and stronger punishments for people who hurt children.
The Gambia kept their FGM ban because gender research showed how much harm FGM causes. Nigeria can learn from this success.
Communities Must Act
Gender research also shows that laws alone are not enough. Communities need groups like the Kontagora care team. These groups provide immediate help. They make sure children get medical care, counseling, and justice.
The Gambia can learn from Nigeria about building community care teams. Nigeria can learn from The Gambia about passing strong laws.
Everyone Has a Role
Gender research reveals that protecting children needs everyone’s help:
Parents must learn warning signs and keep children safe.
Teachers must watch for children who seem hurt or scared.
Doctors must know how to treat and report abuse.
Police must take reports seriously and catch dangerous people.
Religious leaders must teach that violence against children is always wrong.
Traditional rulers must update harmful practices.
Government officials must pass and enforce good laws.
The Future of Gender Research in West Africa
Gender research continues to grow. Scientists study what works best. They count how many children get help. They measure which programs succeed.
For Amina in Nigeria, the future depends on whether Niger state adopts better laws. The community care team gave her first aid and support. But without strong laws, the man who hurt her might not get the punishment he deserves.
For girls in The Gambia, the future looks brighter because of their FGM ban. But gender research shows more work is needed. Education must reach every village. Every family must understand why FGM hurts children.
Key Takeaways from Gender Research
Gender research teaches us important lessons about protecting children in West Africa:
One in four girls in Nigeria faces sexual violence before age 18. Only five out of 100 children who report violence get help. This must change.
Community care teams work well. The Kontagora team has helped 27 children since 2023. Other communities can copy this model.
Strong laws matter. The Gambia’s FGM ban saves girls from harm. Nigeria needs all states to adopt the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.
Education changes minds. When communities learn the facts, they make better choices about protecting children.
Cultural beliefs can change. Traditions that hurt children must end, even if they are very old.
Speaking up protects children. Shame and silence let dangerous people continue hurting children.
Everyone has responsibility. Protecting children requires parents, teachers, doctors, police, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and government working together.
Final Thoughts on Gender Research
Gender research gives us the knowledge to protect children from violence. It shows us what works and what does not work. It proves that change is possible when communities and governments work together.
The stories of Amina in Nigeria and Mariama in The Gambia remind us why gender research matters. Every child deserves safety. Every child deserves a childhood free from violence. Every child deserves justice when someone hurts them.
Gender research lights the path forward. By studying problems carefully, we find solutions that save lives. By sharing research findings, we educate communities. By acting on research recommendations, we create lasting change.
West Africa can become a safer place for all children. Gender research shows us how to make this dream real.
Conclusion
Gender research continues to reveal important truths about violence against children in West Africa. The work of activists, community groups, and researchers creates hope for a better future. To learn more about gender issues and support organizations working to protect children, visit genderpedia.ng/shop for resources, educational materials, and ways to get involved in gender research and advocacy.
References
The Cable. A Collective Voice for Gender Justice: From Grassroots Action in Nigeria to Policy Impact in The Gambia. Retrieved from https://www.thecable.ng/a-collective-voice-for-gender-justice-from-grassroots-action-in-nigeria-to-policy-impact-in-the-gambia/What is Gender Research? A Simple Guide to Understanding Violence Against Children
Definition: What Does Gender Research Mean?
Gender research is the study of how boys and girls, men and women are treated differently in society. It looks at problems like violence against children, harmful traditions, and unfair treatment. Gender research helps us understand these problems so we can fix them and make life better for everyone.
Why Gender Research Matters in West Africa
Gender research shows us important facts about children’s safety. In Nigeria, one out of every four girls faces sexual violence before turning 18. One out of every ten boys also faces this problem. But only five out of 100 children who report violence get any help.
In The Gambia, gender research found that 76 out of 100 women have experienced female genital mutilation, also called FGM. Most of this happened when they were very young children. Gender research helps us see these problems clearly so communities can work to stop them.
Real Stories from Gender Research
Amina’s Story: When Violence Happens to Children
In March 2025, a four-year-old girl named Amina lived in Kontagora, Nigeria. A 37-year-old man named Isah knew her family. He gave Amina candy and then hurt her very badly. He raped her.
Amina could not talk after this happened. She was too scared and hurt. Her aunt Hadiza was also scared to tell anyone. She worried, “What will people say? Her future will be ruined if this gets out.”
This is a common problem that gender research has discovered. Many families stay quiet when children are hurt. They feel shame and fear. But staying quiet does not help children heal.
How Gender Research Leads to Better Help
Gender research showed that Amina needed help right away. A group of helpers in Kontagora learned about her case. This group includes doctors, social workers, and police officers who work together.
They gave Amina free medical care. They talked to her family. They helped catch the man who hurt her. Now Isah is in jail waiting for his trial. Gender research helped create this system of care.
Since 2023, this helping group has cared for 27 children who faced sexual violence. Each child represents a success story built on gender research findings.
What Gender Research Teaches Us About Community Help
The Kontagora Care Team
Gender research shows that the best help comes from communities working together. In Kontagora, several groups joined forces. They include the Rayuwa Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Kontagora General Hospital, the Social Welfare Unit, and police.
These helpers do not wait for children to come to them. Gender research proved that shame and distance stop families from getting help. So the team calls families on the phone. They visit homes. They make it easy for children to get care.
Hussaini Muhammed leads one helping group called GLEAI. He said, “Many families in rural areas cannot easily reach health centers, or they are too ashamed. Our job is to make the process simple.”
Fatima Aliyu works at the local government office. She explained what happens: “We send survivors to the General Hospital where they get routine screening, medicine to prevent infections, antibiotics, counseling, and contraceptives. We also talk to parents about why early help is important.”
What Children Receive
Gender research proves that children need several types of help:
Medical care comes first. Doctors check children for injuries and infections. They give medicine to prevent diseases. They provide treatment for physical wounds.
Counseling helps children talk about their feelings. Special helpers teach children that what happened was not their fault. They help families understand how to support their children.
Legal help ensures that people who hurt children face consequences. The care team works with police and courts to make sure justice happens.
Gender Research and Laws That Protect Children
Problems with Nigerian Laws
Gender research reveals big problems with laws in Nigeria. The country has a law called the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act from 2015. But many states, including Niger state where Amina lives, have not adopted this law.
Without this law, people who hurt children might not get strong punishments. The old laws from the Criminal and Penal Codes are too weak. They do not protect children well enough.
Gender research also found another problem. The Child Rights Act says children cannot marry before age 18. But many states ignore this law. They allow very young girls to marry. This creates confusion about what counts as rape.
When girls are forced to marry young, people claim the sexual activity is okay because of marriage. But gender research shows this is just another form of violence against children.
Success in The Gambia
Gender research from The Gambia shows what success looks like. In July 2024, The Gambia’s parliament voted to keep their law against female genital mutilation.
Female genital mutilation, or FGM, is when parts of a girl’s private body are cut off. This causes terrible pain. It leads to infections. It makes periods painful. It causes problems when women try to have babies.
Mariama Sanyang experienced FGM when she was six years old. She now helps other girls avoid this harm. She started a group called The Girls Agenda. Mariama said, “We need to believe in survivor stories and understand that the harmfulness of FGM is not just hearsay.”
Gender research proved that FGM hurts girls. About 76 out of 100 women in The Gambia have experienced FGM. Among younger girls aged 0-14, the number dropped to 45 out of 100. This shows that education and laws are working.
How Gender Research Creates Better Programs
Education Programs
Gender research shows that education stops violence. When communities learn what violence looks like, they can protect children better. The Gambia created a National FGM Strategy and Action Plan for 2021-2025.
This plan teaches people in schools about FGM. It trains community leaders. It helps religious leaders understand why FGM is harmful. It gives girls skills to protect themselves and speak up.
Oumie Jagne works with Think Young Women, a group that helps girls in The Gambia. She said, “Involving key stakeholders, including young men, boys, religious and traditional leaders, and women, is essential. Strengthening social media campaigns can also help inform everyone about the dangers of FGM.”
Working with Community Leaders
Gender research proves that community leaders have great power. When traditional rulers and religious leaders support children’s safety, more people listen.
The Gambian government works with UNICEF and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare. Together, they talk to community leaders. They explain what gender research has found. They help leaders become champions for children’s safety.
Challenges Gender Research Has Discovered
Cultural Beliefs
Gender research shows that some people resist change. Imam Abdoulie Fatty in The Gambia supports FGM. He argues that FGM is part of culture and religion. He said, “The Gambia was built by different ethnic groups. All of them were practicing FGM. This was in the centuries.”
But gender research proves that culture can change to protect children. Just because something happened for a long time does not make it right.
Sadly, at least two babies in The Gambia died from FGM. One baby was only one month old. She lived in Wellingara. Another child died in 2016 in Kiang Sankandi. A five-month-old baby also died in Sankandi Village. These deaths prove that FGM is very dangerous.
Fear and Shame
Gender research consistently finds that fear and shame stop families from getting help. In Kontagora, Amina’s aunt Hadiza almost stayed quiet. She worried about what neighbors would say.
But staying silent lets dangerous people hurt more children. Gender research teaches communities that speaking up protects everyone.
What Gender Research Tells Us About Solutions
Laws Must Be Strong
Gender research proves that strong laws save children. Nigeria needs all states to adopt the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act. This law gives better protection and stronger punishments for people who hurt children.
The Gambia kept their FGM ban because gender research showed how much harm FGM causes. Nigeria can learn from this success.
Communities Must Act
Gender research also shows that laws alone are not enough. Communities need groups like the Kontagora care team. These groups provide immediate help. They make sure children get medical care, counseling, and justice.
The Gambia can learn from Nigeria about building community care teams. Nigeria can learn from The Gambia about passing strong laws.
Everyone Has a Role
Gender research reveals that protecting children needs everyone’s help:
Parents must learn warning signs and keep children safe.
Teachers must watch for children who seem hurt or scared.
Doctors must know how to treat and report abuse.
Police must take reports seriously and catch dangerous people.
Religious leaders must teach that violence against children is always wrong.
Traditional rulers must update harmful practices.
Government officials must pass and enforce good laws.
The Future of Gender Research in West Africa
Gender research continues to grow. Scientists study what works best. They count how many children get help. They measure which programs succeed.
For Amina in Nigeria, the future depends on whether Niger state adopts better laws. The community care team gave her first aid and support. But without strong laws, the man who hurt her might not get the punishment he deserves.
For girls in The Gambia, the future looks brighter because of their FGM ban. But gender research shows more work is needed. Education must reach every village. Every family must understand why FGM hurts children.
Gender research provides hope. When communities use research findings, they create real change. When governments listen to research, they pass better laws. When families learn from research, they protect their children better.
Key Takeaways from Gender Research
Gender research teaches us important lessons about protecting children in West Africa:
One in four girls in Nigeria faces sexual violence before age 18. Only five out of 100 children who report violence get help. This must change.
Community care teams work well. The Kontagora team has helped 27 children since 2023. Other communities can copy this model.
Strong laws matter. The Gambia’s FGM ban saves girls from harm. Nigeria needs all states to adopt the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.
Education changes minds. When communities learn the facts, they make better choices about protecting children.
Cultural beliefs can change. Traditions that hurt children must end, even if they are very old.
Speaking up protects children. Shame and silence let dangerous people continue hurting children.
Everyone has responsibility. Protecting children requires parents, teachers, doctors, police, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and government working together.
Final Thoughts on Gender Research
Gender research gives us the knowledge to protect children from violence. It shows us what works and what does not work. It proves that change is possible when communities and governments work together.
The stories of Amina in Nigeria and Mariama in The Gambia remind us why gender research matters. Every child deserves safety. Every child deserves a childhood free from violence. Every child deserves justice when someone hurts them.
Gender research lights the path forward. By studying problems carefully, we find solutions that save lives. By sharing research findings, we educate communities. By acting on research recommendations, we create lasting change.
West Africa can become a safer place for all children. Gender research shows us how to make this dream real.
Conclusion
Gender research continues to reveal important truths about violence against children in West Africa. The work of activists, community groups, and researchers creates hope for a better future. To learn more about gender issues and support organizations working to protect children, visit genderpedia.ng/shop for resources, educational materials, and ways to get involved in gender research and advocacy.
