IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN PERPETUATION OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Social media platforms have expanded globally, providing a new means of communication and interaction amongst individuals. Based on this, Budree, (2019) assert that social media and social network applications particularly Instagram and WhatsApp Messenger have taken center stage in today's digital environment. Social media can be defined as "Web-based applications that allow people to create, share, or exchange ideas, pictures, or videos in virtual networks and communication" (Sundani, N., Mangaka, A. C., & Mamokhere, J., 2022). The most widely used social media platforms are Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.But even with these advancements, the rate of GBV is still too high. Gender-based violence (GBV) represents an enduring system of oppression rooted in patriarchal structures, impacting women's health globally. It is particularly prevalent in underdeveloped regions, posing significant public health challenges and undermining women's societal status and credibility on a global scale (Fairbairn,2020). Similarly, GBV transcends cultural, socioeconomic, and religious boundaries, constituting a violation of women's human rights that manifests in various forms across different countries ( Anam et al., 2020). During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021, over 243 million women and girls aged 15 to 49 experienced sexual and physical violence worldwide (Menon et al., 2020). However,  online GBV is a result of the widespread use of mobile phones. Furthermore, according to the embassy, global proclamations and regional laws demonstrate that gender-based violence (GBV) significantly impedes the attainment of equality, development, and peace since it limits women's access to fundamental human rights and freedoms that are protected by a number of laws and agreements. According to Fileborn & Loney-Howes (2020), the increase in social media users has been correlated with online misogyny, or the speech and conduct of a profound disdain for women. While GBV is not new, Orji  et al., (2021) asserts that its technological component adds aspects of searchability, permanence, replicability, and scalability that make it easier for attackers to target and gain access to women. These features have the potential to worsen and intensify the situation.

Recently, there has been a noticeable surge in cases of violence targeting females. Social media platforms frequently report incidents of gender-based violence, including acts such as battery, assault, emotional manipulation, and sexual abuse, among others. These occurrences are not confined to specific countries; rather, they pervade across nations with no regard for social, economic, or national boundaries. Despite their widespread prevalence, many cases remain unreported, highlighting the severe underreporting of gender-based violence across various settings (Dauda, 2018). According to the World Bank's 2019 report, gender-based violence (GBV) stands as a significant manifestation of gender inequality, acting as a formidable obstacle to the equal engagement of women and men in social, economic, and political realms. GBV includes a spectrum of atrocities, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault by non-partners, female genital mutilation, sexual exploitation and abuse, child abuse, female infanticide, and child marriage. Such violence not only hampers gender equality but also impedes progress toward a multitude of development objectives. According to a study by van der Heyde & Bengu(2022), violence against women is widespread in both offline and online settings throughout Africa and the rest of the world. Sanusi, T. (2021)asserts that discussions in the media, particularly social media, that uphold gender inequality are not new and are present all throughout the world. Regarding this, van der Heyde & Bengu(2022)notes that the reason online GBV is so hazardous is that there are frequently insufficient laws and norms in place to safeguard women against this kind of violence, which means that those who commit it frequently escape punishment for their damaging deeds. Therefore, a survey will be conducted to examine the impact of social media in perpetuation of gender based violence against women in Nigeria.

Statement of the Problem

Despite the implementation of various programs and campaigns by both governmental and non-governmental organizations to combat gender-based violence, its incidence continues to rise (Leyeh et al., 2021). However, social media  constantly report on acts of violence targeting individuals of all genders, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue. The prevalence of gender-based violence is alarming, as it leaves lasting psychological scars that can hinder the establishment of healthy relationships in the future. This violence includes a wide range of forms, from forced marriages to physical, mental, and sexual assaults. Furthermore, it is crucial for social media to take a leading role in the fight against gender-based violence, as it poses a threat to the family structure and causes emotional harm to young individuals exposed to such acts. Media platforms can serve as powerful tools for raising awareness, providing education, and acting as deterrents against various forms of abuse. Campaigns such as "say no to gender-based violence" exemplify media-driven initiatives aimed at ending gender-based violence (Ugigbe, 2020). Despite the efforts of governments and media organizations, gender-based violence persists in society, indicating the need for continued and intensified action to address this pressing issue. It is in the light of these that the study seeks to examine the impact of social media in perpetuation of gender based violence against women in Nigeria.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of social media in perpetuation of gender based violence against women in Nigeria. Specifically, the study will;

1.Determine the prevalence of gender-based violence against women in Nigeria perpetuated through social media channels.

2.Find out the factors contributing to the amplification of gender-based violence against women through social media platforms in Nigeria.

3.Propose strategies for mitigating the perpetuation of gender-based violence against women through social media platforms in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What is the prevalence of gender-based violence against women in Nigeria, particularly through social media channels?

What are the factors that contribute to the amplification of gender-based violence against women through social media platforms in Nigeria?

What strategies can be proposed to mitigate the perpetuation of gender-based violence against women through social media platforms in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant impact of social media on the perpetuation of gender-based violence against women in Nigeria.

Ha: There is a significant impact of social media on the perpetuation of gender-based violence against women in Nigeria.

1.6  Significance of the Study

Government, organizations and individuals advocating for women's rights and gender equality will find this research significant. The findings of the study will help them develop strategies to combat online harassment and abuse.  Additionally, it will assist them in designing programs and interventions to support victims of online violence and raise awareness about the issue. Also, the research will guide social media platforms and technology companies operating in Nigeria in developing policies and tools to mitigate online abuse and create safer online environments for users. Furthermore, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to examine the impact of social media in perpetuation of gender based violence against women in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the impact of social media in perpetuation of gender based violence against women in Nigeria. Theoretically, this study will determine the prevalence of gender-based violence against women in Nigeria perpetuated through social media channels, find out the factors contributing to the amplification of gender-based violence against women through social media platforms in Nigeria and propose strategies for mitigating the perpetuation of gender-based violence against women through social media platforms in Nigeria.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to women in Sokoto state, Nigeria.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. 

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Social Media: these are online platforms  that enable users to create, share, and exchange content, ideas, and information in virtual communities and networks.  Examples of social media platforms include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV): any form of violence or harm that is inflicted on an individual or group based on their gender identity or perceived adherence to gender norms.

Perpetuation: how social media platforms contribute to the ongoing occurrence or sustenance of gender-based violence