Social Norms, Information Needs and the Experience of Sexual Gender-Based Violence among Internally Displaced Women and Girls in Borno State, Nigeria

Purpose of the Study: This paper examines the influence of social norms on the experiences of Sexual Gender Based Violence and information behaviour of internally displaced women and girls in Borno State, Nigeria. This study aims to identify the various needs of female IDPs who have had experiences with SGBV.Methodology: The study sample was drawn from three local governments: Gwoza, Kondunga, and Monguno in Borno State. A quantitative research approach was adopted in the study. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used in data analysis, while the hypothesis was tested at a 0.05 level of significance.Findings: The study revealed that information needs, such as how to access food, shelter, and a source of livelihood, have no significant influence on female internally displaced persons' experience of SGBV. Thus, the presence of these needs does not necessarily increase the expertise of SGBV. However, social norms significantly influence the experience of SGBV among female internally displaced persons.Recommendations/Conclusion: An increase in socio-cultural beliefs and societal norms such as namecalling, patriarchy, and stigmatisation leads to the rise in the experience of Sexual Gender-Based Violence of female internally displaced persons in Borno State.Study Type: Empirical study