Evaluation of interventions to prevent gender-based violence among young female apprentices in Ibadan, Nigeria

Purpose - This intervention project targeted one vulnerable group, female apprentices in Ibadan, Nigeria, to evaluate the effectiveness of multiple interventions aimed at preventing voilence against women (VAW). Design/methodology/approach - A baseline survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 350 young women recruited from apprenticeship workshops in Ibadan. The interventions consisted of skills training workshops for apprentices (323), sensitization training for the instructors of apprentices (54), police (30) and judicial officers (25) and the development/distribution of educational materials to reduce the incidence of violence. A follow- up survey was conducted with 203 apprentices after five months of interventions. Findings - Improvements were found at follow-up with respect to knowledge of types of violence and sexual forms of violence (up from 89.4 to 97 percent) (p< 0: 05), and appreciation of vulnerability to VAW increased (from 77 to 95 percent) (p< 0: 05). The prevalence of beating dropped from 65.4 to 23 percent. A significantly greater proportion (p< 0: 05) of the apprentices reported payment for vocation-related work (8.9 percent compared with 16.4 percent). Only a slight decline was reported in rape (5.7 to 5.4 percent) and sexual harassment (22.9 and 22.7 percent). The proportion of victims of violence who sought redress increased from 40.2 to 72.7 percent. Research limitations/implications - There is a need for more research into interventions that can reduce violence towards women. Practical implications - Interventions targeted at female apprentices were effective in reducing the prevalence of forms of violence. The data generated may be useful for practitioners and in guiding policymakers on the regulation of activities in the informal sector. There is a need for more intervention programs for this population. Originality/value - This paper addresses the needs of a marginalized group about a public health problem which is often denied or covered up.