CULTURAL VIOLENCE PRACTICES AGAINST FEMALES IN YUNGUR ETHNIC GROUP OF SONG LGA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Studies on women right in Africa have advanced but little has been done on the negative impact of culture and tradition of the people in promoting abuse of the women human right, thus this necessitates study on cultural violence practices against female in some selected ethnic groups in Adamawa State. The study research design was quantitative data analysis which was generated through survey by the use of 120 questionnaires administered to females from the Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The quantitative data were analysed using 5 Likert-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 Yungur ethnic group. On the nature of CVPAFs, the culture beliefs that women must be responsible for some of the household responsibilities (such as feeding, payment of children school fees and medical bills) 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 using cultural beliefs to justify gender-based violence. The exclusion 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 that are criminal in nature 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, be tolerance, allow 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 medical remedies for mitigating CVPAFs and there should be advocacy to abolish CVPAFs that are harmful to women.