CULTURAL VIOLENCE PRACTICES AGAINST FEMALES IN NZANYI ETHNIC GROUP OF MAIHA LGA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

While women’s rights studies in Africa have grown, little attention has been given to how cultural and traditional practices contribute to the abuse of women’s rights. This study focuses on cultural violence against women in the Nzanyi ethnic group of Adamawa State, using a mixed-method design with both quantitative data. Survey for the quantitative data involved 120 questionnaires administered to females from the Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The quantitative data were analysed using 5 Likerty-type scales and Mean Scores Rating. The results from this research showed that various incidences of cultural violence practices against females (CVPAFs) were documented from the Nzanyi ethnic group. On the nature of CVPAFs, women are discouraged from engaging in formal jobs because they are expected to be full house wife had the highest mean score rating. The agreed factors responsible for CVPAFs are Illiteracy or low level of education, using of culture to discriminate against female and cultural beliefs to justify gender-based violence. The exclusion of women from decision making process had the highest rating on the experience and consequences of females that were affected by CVPAFs. Based on the findings from this study, it is recommended that CVPAFs is criminal in nature and can be referred to the law enforcement agencies for prosecuted as a legal mitigating measure. Culturally, there is a need for traditional ruler to enlighten and encourage the community to accord respect to female gender, embrace culture of peace based on non-violence, tolerance, allowed dialogue, mutual understanding and justice. The organization of seminar to create awareness on the effect of violence against female was agreed as part of the remedies for mitigating CVPAFs and there should be advocacy to abolish CVPAFs that are harmful to women.