PERCEPTIONS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

PERCEPTIONS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS.

Chapter One: Introduction

Background of the Study

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities across the globe, including within educational institutions. Universities, as microcosms of society, are not immune to the prevalence of GBV, which manifests in various forms such as sexual harassment, assault, and intimate partner violence. The perceptions of GBV among university students are critical to understanding how this issue is addressed and managed within these institutions. These perceptions can significantly influence the reporting of incidents, the support available to survivors, and the overall campus culture (DeKeseredy & Schwartz, 2016).

 

In Nigeria, the distinction between public and private universities is often marked by differences in institutional policies, cultural environments, and resources available to students. Public universities, typically larger and more diverse, may have different challenges and resources compared to private institutions, which often emphasize stricter moral codes and closer community ties. However, both types of institutions are faced with the task of addressing GBV and fostering a safe environment for all students (Adebayo, 2020).

 

Understanding how students in public and private universities perceive GBV is essential for developing effective prevention and response strategies. These perceptions are shaped by various factors, including cultural norms, religious beliefs, and the policies and practices of the universities themselves. This comparative study aims to explore these perceptions, providing insights into the similarities and differences between public and private institutions in how they handle GBV and how their students view this critical issue.

 

Statement of the Problem

Despite growing awareness and efforts to combat gender-based violence in university settings, it remains a significant issue, often underreported and inadequately addressed. The perceptions of GBV among university students can either facilitate or hinder the effectiveness of measures taken to prevent and respond to such violence. In Nigeria, where cultural and institutional differences between public and private universities are pronounced, these perceptions can vary widely, leading to differing outcomes in terms of reporting, support, and overall campus safety (Makama, 2018).

 

The problem is compounded by the lack of comprehensive research comparing how students from public and private universities perceive GBV, which limits the ability of policymakers and university administrators to tailor interventions effectively. Without a clear understanding of these perceptions, efforts to combat GBV may be less effective, leaving students vulnerable and perpetuating a culture of silence and impunity. This study seeks to fill this gap by providing a comparative analysis of student perceptions of GBV in public and private universities in Nigeria.

 

Objectives of the Study

To compare the perceptions of gender-based violence among students in public and private universities in Nigeria.

To identify the factors that influence these perceptions in both public and private university settings.

To assess the implications of these perceptions for university policies and interventions aimed at combating gender-based violence.

 

Research Questions

How do perceptions of gender-based violence differ between students in public and private universities in Nigeria?

What factors influence students' perceptions of gender-based violence in both public and private university settings?

What are the implications of these perceptions for the effectiveness of university policies and interventions addressing gender-based violence?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several stakeholders, including university administrators, policymakers, and students. For university administrators, understanding students' perceptions of GBV will help in designing more effective policies and interventions that are responsive to the specific needs of their student populations. Policymakers can use the findings to inform national strategies for combating GBV in educational institutions. For students, the study will raise awareness about GBV, encouraging a more informed and supportive campus culture. Additionally, the study will contribute to the academic literature on GBV in university settings, providing a basis for future research and action.

 

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study will focus on the perceptions of gender-based violence among students in selected public and private universities in Nigeria. It will involve both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys and interviews with students from these institutions. The scope will include an analysis of how cultural, religious, and institutional factors influence these perceptions and how they vary between public and private universities.

 

Limitations may include:

Sampling Bias: The study may be limited by the representativeness of the sample, as it will focus on a select number of universities.

Self-Reported Data: The study will rely on self-reported data, which may be subject to social desirability bias.

Cultural Sensitivity: Discussions around GBV can be sensitive, and some students may be reluctant to share their true perceptions.

 

Definitions of the Study

Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Violence directed at an individual based on their gender, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse.

Public University: A university that is funded and operated by the government.

Private University: A university that is funded and operated by private entities, including religious organizations or private individuals.

 

References

Adebayo, A. (2020). Gender-based violence in Nigerian universities: The role of institutional policies and student perceptions. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 24(3), 85-93.

DeKeseredy, W. S., & Schwartz, M. D. (2016). Theoretical and empirical understanding of gender-based violence on campuses. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 17(2), 185-197.

Makama, G. A. (2018). Cultural perceptions and gender-based violence in Nigeria: A comparative study of public and private universities. Journal of Gender Studies, 27(1), 70-82.