Gender-based violence means hurting someone because of their gender. In Nigeria, many people face this problem. Let’s learn about the different forms of gender based violence.
Physical Violence
Physical violence is when someone hurts another person’s body. In Nigeria, many women and girls face this kind of harm. For example, hitting or beating someone is physical violence. Between 2020 and 2023, Nigeria recorded 27,698 cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is when someone forces another person to do sexual things without their permission. This is very wrong and happens too often. In January 2025 alone, there were 17 cases of femicide, which is when a woman is killed because she is a woman.
Emotional Violence
Emotional violence hurts a person’s feelings. It includes saying mean things or making someone feel bad about themselves. From January 2020 to July 2022, 901 cases of emotional violence were reported in Nigeria.
Child Marriage
Child marriage is when a young girl is made to marry before she is 18 years old. In Nigeria, 30.3% of women aged 20–24 were married before they turned 18.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM is when parts of a girl’s private areas are cut. This practice is harmful and can cause serious health problems. Many girls in Nigeria have gone through FGM, and efforts are ongoing to stop this practice.
Why Understanding These Forms Of Gender Based Violence Matters
Knowing about these forms of violence helps us see the problems many people face. By learning, we can work together to stop these harmful actions.
Take Action
To help fight against the forms of gender based violence, visit genderpedia.ng/shop for more information and resources.
References
- Activists call for state of emergency in Nigeria over gender-based violence
- UNFPA Nigeria | Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices Against Women and Girls in Nigeria
- Country Fact Sheet | UN Women Data Hub
- 16 FACTS ABOUT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS IN NIGERIA
- Nigeria records 27,698 Sexual and Gender Based Violence cases in 3 years
