Addressing Gender-Based Violence through Education and Community Engagement in Kwara State: A Comparative Study

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, necessitating evidence-based interventions. This study assessed and compared the effectiveness of education-based and community-based interventions in reducing GBV in Kwara State, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 300 respondents across urban (Ilorin South), semi-urban (Offa), and rural (Patigi) areas through structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. A multi-stage sampling technique ensured diverse representation, and data were analyzed using ANOVA and chi-square tests. Results revealed significant disparities in GBV awareness, with urban areas scoring higher (78.3%) than semi-urban (65.4%) and rural (52.7%) areas (F(2,297) = 24.86, p < 0.001). Education level strongly influenced GBV reporting, with tertiary-educated respondents 2.4 times more likely to report incidents than those with no formal education (χ²(3) = 42.18, p < 0.001). Community engagement, particularly through traditional leaders, increased reporting rates by 25% in rural areas. However, 40% of men still endorsed harmful norms like victim-blaming, highlighting persistent patriarchal attitudes. The study concludes that while education effectively raises awareness, community engagement is crucial for norm change and reporting. Recommendations include integrating GBV education into school curricula and strengthening community-led initiatives, especially in rural areas. These findings underscore the need for combined, context-specific strategies to combat GBV in Kwara State and similar settings.