Awareness and Prevalence of Cyberviolence among Female Undergraduates in a Southwest Nigerian University: A Mixed-Method Approach

Omotolani Oluwole , Girl Up Sapphires, United Nations Foundation
Olutomiwa Binuyo, University of the Western Cape
Odunayo Ayoola, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital

European Institute for Gender Equality revealed that one in ten women have already experienced a form of cyber violence (CV) since the age of 15. CV is an emerging global issue exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fostering a societal shift in attitudes towards CV is crucial to creating a safer digital space for all. Employing a mixed-method approach, this study aims to investigate the awareness and prevalence of cyber violence among female undergraduates in a southwest Nigerian University. The university context is essential for understanding the dynamics of CV because female students are among those affected by these new forms of gender-based violence at disproportionate rates. Surveys, Key Informant Interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were used to collect data from 350 female undergraduates and seven university officials. Study findings revealed that the female undergraduates have a low awareness of CV but have been somewhat in contact with online violence. The prevalence level is low due to poor understanding and fear of being stigmatized causing their experiences to go unreported because they do not want to face social blaming. Recommendations include targeted awareness campaigns, gender sensitization, and strengthened support systems to mitigate the impact of cyber violence on female students.

Keywords: Gender Dynamics, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Mixed methods research

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