The UN Population Fund (UNFPA), with funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), has commenced a 45-day national survey to provide a comprehensive analysis of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs) situation in Nigeria.

Information about the survey is in a statement by the UNFPA Gender and Reproductive Rights Specialist, Musa Elisha, in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Elisha stated that the 45-day survey, which started on August 11, would run until September 14 in 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The states are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Edo, Kaduna and Kwara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Oyo, Sokoto, and Imo.

He explained that the scope of the survey was “to generate a reference document to guide the development of a well-coordinated, systematic and programme-wide approaches toward addressing gender inequality and empowering women and girls in Nigeria.”

The official explained that data collectors would visit households in sampled clusters during the survey to conduct interviews for selected individuals and focus group discussions.

He, therefore, called for the cooperation of residents of the 12 states and the FCT, noting that the specific objectives of the landscape analysis are to determine the prevalence of SGBV, HTPs, and obstetric fistula in Nigeria.

“It is also aimed at identifying key social and gender norms that influence the prevalence and outcomes of SGBV, HTP, and obstetric fistula and identify key drivers and perpetrators,” said the UNFPA official. “The landscape analysis survey is to assess awareness and knowledge of national and global policy on elimination of SGBV, obstetric fistula, and HTPs.”

The gender and reproductive rights specialist emphasised that the survey was necessary “because existing national and sub-national data does not provide disaggregated information on the patterns and dynamics of sexual and gender-based violence.”

Mr Elisha added that the analysis would help map out roles and assess the capacities of stakeholders toward the elimination of SGBV in collaboration with state institutions, parents, civil society organisations, and community leaders.

(NAN)