Ngos Adopted Communication Channels Towards Curbing the Occurrence of Gender-Based Violence in Ondo State

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is an issue of social phenomenon that has affected many people globally. GBV poses a huge challenge to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria, Ondo State inclusive. This study investigated the channels of communication adopted by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Ondo State to curb the recurrence of GBV. Adopting the Diffusion of Innovation theory, it investigated how these NGOs leverage media, community outreaches, workshops, seminars and public enlightenment campaigns to disseminate anti-GBV messages towards societal behavioural change among members of the public. Qualitative methods were adopted for this study and a Key Informant Interview (KII) was conducted with officials of selected NGOs to seek information about how they use diverse communication channels to curb GBV among people of Ondo State. Findings show that combined media campaigns as well as grassroots engagement with influencers, opinion leaders, community leaders and media can help curb GBV to a large extent. However, consistent challenges such as cultural norms have affected how anti-GBV messages are received by the public. The study recommended that sustained partnerships by NGOs with the media and critical stakeholders would help reduce, if not eradicate the menace of GBV in the society.