IMPACT OF WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT ON INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract: This study seeks to explore whether there is a unique way in which women's empowerment addresses intimate partner violence (IPV) and to understand the roles that institutions and conflict events play in this relationship. Specifically, it investigates the impact of women's empowerment on IPV in Nigeria, drawing on data from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic Health Survey. The study examines three forms of IPV: sexual violence, physical violence, and emotional violence. The ownership of mobile phones measures women's empowerment. The empirical findings indicate that while the likelihood of sexual violence decreases for women who own mobile phones, this relationship is not statistically significant for physical and emotional violence. Regarding the role of institutions, the study finds that women who own mobile phones and reside in states with established domestic violence laws are less likely to experience sexual and physical violence, though this effect is not statistically significant for emotional violence. Lastly, the study reveals that women who own mobile phones and live in conflict-affected areas face an increased likelihood of experiencing sexual, physical, and emotional violence, but these effects are also statistically insignificant. The study strongly recommends that for the potential protective effects of mobile phone ownership to translate into effective policy interventions, key factors must be considered. These include sustained investment in improving women's access to mobile phones, promoting equitable access to technology, and enhancing ICT skills for women. Additionally, it is crucial to prioritize the passage of domestic violence laws in states that have yet to institutionalize them and to ensure the effective implementation of these laws where they exist. Keywords: Women's empowerment; intimate partner violence; IPV; Nigeria; sexual violence; ICT skills; technology access; policy interventions. Title: IMPACT OF WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT ON INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA Author: OLUWABUSAYO ADIJAT BELLO, JOY EJENAVI UZU-OKOH International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences ISSN 2394-9694 Vol. 11, Issue 4, July 2024 - August 2024 Page No: 53-66 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 15-August-2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13325736 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/IMPACT%20OF%20WOMEN'S%20EMPOWERMENT-15082024-6.pdf