Gendered Violence in Intimate Relationships in the Context of Law, Culture and Religion in Nigeria

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2024/v27i0a17746

Keywords:

Intimate partner violence, bridewealth, religion, marriage, culture

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious human rights violation whose resilience against comprehensive laws calls for a reappraisal of the interplay of the key factors that influence its persistence. What is the link between the resilience of GBV and socio-economic forces such as religion, culture and tradition? This paper is inspired by the death of a popular Nigerian gospel singer, Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu, on 8 April 2022. Although the real cause of her death was not confirmed through an official autopsy, there was widespread speculation that her death arose from intimate partner violence (IPV). It sparked a heated debate among Nigerians, especially the Christian community, on the issue of GBV, especially the role of religious authorities in combatting IPV. Her death also raised concerns about the institution of marriage, bridewealth, women's marginalisation, and the role of the law. Using a literature review and drawing from the best legislative and institutional practices from Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda, this paper highlights challenges in the legal framework and its implementation, as well as harmful norms and religious beliefs that prompt and perpetuate IPV in Nigeria.

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Author Biography

  • Jane Diala, Stellenbosch University

    PhD (Public Law) LLM (Comparative Law in Africa (UCT)) LLB (Madonna University, Nigeria). Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Private Law, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

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Published

25-11-2024

Issue

Section

Special Edition: Towards Endogenous Knowledge Production in Africa

How to Cite

Diala, J. (2024). Gendered Violence in Intimate Relationships in the Context of Law, Culture and Religion in Nigeria. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 27, (Published on 25 November 2024) pp 1-36. https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2024/v27i0a17746

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