Department of Gender and Development Studies

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A World without Poverty: Psycho-Socio-Economic Impacts of Village Mini-Grids on Rural Women in Nigeria.
(2025-12-02) Ilesanmi, Oluwatoyin Olatundun
Abstract The thrust of the human civilization and social innovation include “grid and off-grid” electrification of often neglected communities in developing nations like Nigeria. For instance, the distribution of hydro-electric supply in Nigeria is the responsibility of the Federal Government through Power Holding Corporations of Nigeria (PHCN). Though currently privatized, this arm of the government has been unable to meet the growing demands of electricity supply in the nations fast growing urban centers (e.g. Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Kano and Port-Harcourt). It has also been unable to successfully extend its national grid reach through feeder pillars to all of the urban-fringes and rural communities in the country. This therefore calls for a need to reconsider alternative means of energy generation for the sub-urban and rural dwellers in Nigeria. Many of the rural and suburban dwellers engage in informal sector activities which are extensive, weakly developed economic activities with low level of investment and characterized by heavy reliance on family or friends for capital. These make industrialization in both the rural and urban-fringes to lag far behind the rate of urbanization due to hydroelectric energy crises. Hence, the need for this paper on the creation of a world without poverty through social innovations and rethinking of distributed electricity generation from renewable technologies, such as wind turbines and solar photovoltaic cells in Nigeria.
Analyzing Society through Gender Lenses: Theories and Framework
(Obafemi Awolowo University Press, 2024) Adefisoye, Ibironke Damilola
This chapter explores the intricate relationship between gender and development through various theoretical lenses and frameworks. It begins by tracing the evolution of gender theories, highlighting key contributions from theorists such as Mary Wollstonecraft, Simone de Beauvoir, and Betty Friedan. These foundational works laid the groundwork for understanding gender as a socially constructed concept that intersects with other forms of oppression, such as race, class, and sexuality. The chapter then delves into the concept of intersectionality, which has significantly influenced gender and development discourse. Intersectionality emphasizes the interconnected nature of various social categories and their impact on individuals' experiences and opportunities. This perspective has led to a more nuanced understanding of gender inequalities in development contexts and has informed more inclusive and effective development policies and programs. Furthermore, the chapter explores the contributions of Global South feminism to gender and development theory. Global South feminists have critiqued Western-centric development paradigms and have advocated for approaches that prioritize the needs and perspectives of marginalized communities. Their insights have led to a re-evaluation of development practices, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge, agency, and empowerment in development processes. Overall, this chapter highlights the importance of integrating gender perspectives into development theory and practice. It underscores the need for intersectional and inclusive approaches that address the complex realities of gender inequalities in diverse social contexts.
Assessment of Quality of Life of Inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres: A Systematic Review
(African Journal of Sociology, Psychology and Rural Studies (AJOSPRS), 2024-12-01) Adefisoye, Ibironke Damilola
conditions, which impact the quality of life (QoL) of inmates. Nigeria, like other developing countries, has a growing prison population. However, the facilities in these correctional centres have been widely criticised for violating human rights. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the types, nature, and proposed solutions to these challenges by examining studies conducted between January 2010 and May 2023. The review included quantitative and qualitative research from peer-reviewed journals and grey literature, focusing on studies published in English. A comprehensive literature search was performed using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Academia, Research Gate and Scopus. Manual searches of reference lists and grey literature were also conducted. The initial search produced 181 articles; after removing duplicates and screening for relevance, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review. Content analysis identified common themes and patterns, providing an overarching view of the QoL in Nigerian correctional centres. Findings indicate that inmates in Nigerian prisons face numerous challenges. The study concludes with recommendations for the Nigerian government to address these issues by investing in gender-friendly infrastructures and effective rehabilitation programs.
Beyond the Classroom Divide: Gender Discrepancies in Nigeria's Educational Landscape
(Obafemi Awolowo University Press, Ile-Ife, 2024) Adefisoye, Ibironke Damilola
Education plays an important role in fostering a gender-equitable future for the nation. However, there exists gender disparities within Nigeria's educational landscape thereby exacerbating the various challenges of women and girls. Through a thorough examination of the successes and challenges of the educational sector, this paper explores the complexities inherent in achieving gender equality within this sector. Highlighting the various efforts and success stories, this paper showcases instances where targeted interventions and advocacy efforts have resulted in tangible improvements in narrowing the gender gap in enrollment and retention rates, particularly for girls. These successes include the transformative power of initiatives such as scholarship programs and policy frameworks aimed at dismantling discriminatory practices. However, amid these triumphs lie persistent challenges among which are societal norms and stereotypes, entrenched economic disparities, and pervasive cultural biases which have continuously stood as barriers to the achievement of gender parity in education. Factors such as early marriage, limited access to quality schooling, and gender-based violence underscore the urgent need for concerted action. The paper therefore recommends the elimination of gender bias and the promotion of collaboration between stakeholders to ensure education for all. Conclusively, the paper emphasizes a call to action, stressing the imperative for collaborative efforts from policymakers, community members, and educators to address the root causes of the gender gap in Nigeria's educational system. It advocates for the prioritization of gender-responsive policies, the promotion of inclusive learning environments, and the cultivation of a societal ethos that values and supports the education of all children, irrespective of gender.
Beyond The Classroom Divide: Gender Discrepancies in Nigeria’s Educational Landscape.
(2024) Oluwatoyin Olatundun ILESANMI, Adebimpe ADENUGBA and Ibironke Damilola ADEFISOYE
The role of education in shaping societal structures and opportunities. This section conceptualizes education as a tool for sustainable development. It also identifies classroom divide and gender disparities as impediments to the achievement of equality in education.
COVID-19, Governments’ Response and the Feminisation of Poverty: Ekiti State, Nigeria in Perspective
(Journal of Education Research and Rural Community Development, 2020) Adefisoye, Ibironke Damilola
This article examined the effects of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), and governments’ response action on female poverty in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Discourse on female poverty abounds, but there is the need to revisit the topic, particularly in the light of a global pandemic. In achieving its objective, the qualitative research approach was adopted. The method combined the use of primary data elicited through the conduct of Key informants Interview (KII), and the review of secondary materials to generate data. Ekiti State, as the focus of this study, was purposively selected, while Ekiti Central Senatorial District was conveniently selected from the three Senatorial Districts being the seat of commerce of the State. Three towns from three Local Government Areas under Ekiti Central: Adebayo, (Ado Ekiti); Aramoko (Ekiti West); and Ipoti (Ijero) were randomly selected. A total of seven women, including traders/artisans who are breadwinners of their respective families, were interviewed. Responses were analysed thematically and with the use of the descriptive method. It was found-out that governments’ lockdown measure had a negative effect on commercial activities, as those activities were restricted; an action which had a multiplier effect on female/household poverty. Despite the punitive measures attached to the disobedience of the lockdown order, many women still engaged in ‘illicit’ commercial activities, as a desperate move to feed their respective families. Besides, the palliative provided by the government to cushion the effect of the lockdown was limited to grossly inadequate food items. The paper recommends that government should put in place, as a matter of urgency, a social security scheme such as an emergency fund that would adequately cater for women in the informal sector, and the poorest of them.
EFFECTS OF MATERNAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS (SES) ON CHILDHOOD OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY (COWOB) IN NIGERIA
(2017) Ilesanmi Faith Ibitoyosi & Ilesanmi Oluwatoyin Olatundun
Childhood overweight and obesity (COWOB) is currently one of the most important global public health challenges, especially, in developing nations. Studies in Nigeria are beginning to focus attention on its prevalence among children, adolescents, and adults in selected urban and rural areas across the nation. Some of these studies have implicated economic transition and rapid urbanization as well as globalization in its causation. Thus indicating that prevalence data for paediatric overweight and obesity in Nigeria are available. However, there appear to be existing gaps in the literature on the impact of maternal socio-economic status on childhood obesity across the nation. Hence, this study aims to conduct an extensive desk review of the literature to provide a broad overview of the impacts of maternal socioeconomic status (SES) on childhood obesity in Nigeria for improved public health intervention and paediatric Health Planning. Data for this review were obtained from original PubMed articles and EndNote referencing style. Internet search engines (google and google Scholar) were also employed. The years searched were from 1997 to 2016. Keywords: Childhood, Mother, Socio-economic status, Obesity, Overweight.
Gender Dysphoric Disorder (GDD) in Adolescence: A Psycho-Social Issue for Faithbased Groups and Cultural Societies in Nigeria
(2015-12) Ilesanmi, Oluwatoyin Olatundun
Abstract There exists a dearth of literature on the psychosocial consequences of the “unusual” or atypical sexual practices and gender identity disorders on affected persons and there family members as many cases are either not documented or reported in clinical settings or treated on cultural and or religious grounds. There is also a general lack of professional and research attention drawn to the nature, prevalence and management of these disorders among mental health practitioners and scholars working in faith-based and cultural societies like Nigeria. Therefore, the true incidence of these disorders in Nigeria is at present undetermined. Thus, little is known about what may be done to help people with these disorders in culture bound societies like Nigeria. Hence, the need for this paper which adopted a descriptive and interpretive double hermeneutic phenomenological survey research design to examine the faith-based and cultural definitions and responses to gender dysphoria in Nigeria. A total of 200 subjects participated in the study, one hundred from the faith-based organizations and another one hundred from different cultural groups in Nigeria. The pre-tested Faith-Based/ Cultural Definitions of Gender Dysphoric and Response Instrument was administered to them in their natural setting. Five (5)research questions and three (3) hypotheses were raised and tested at 0.05 level of significance using both simple descriptive statistics and Kruskal Wallis test. The results which have implications for mental health practitioners, faith-based organizations and cultural societies indicated that sexual orientation played significant role in adolescents’ religious beliefs and socio-cultural definitions and attitudes towards sexual deviations and gender dysphoria among adolescent boys and girls in Nigeria. Keywords: Gender Adolescence; Cultural Societies; Dysphoric Disorder (GDD); Faith-based Groups and Psycho-Social Issue
Gendered impact of climate change: Roles and prospects2
(Corpus Intellectual, 2023) Adefisoye, Ibironke Damilola
There has been an unprecedented increase in awareness and advocacy for better climate conditions, albeit with relatively less improvement in the current climate conditions. The consequences of which have been linked to the unsustainable production and consumption levels of the planet’s resources. The impacts of human activities on the planet have ranged from the aggravation of poverty to the destruction of infrastructure and exacerbation of insecurity issues, amongst others. Nevertheless, environmental degradation has differential impacts on women and men. Despite this, the United Nations Women has stated that only 29% of the featured speakers on international platforms on climate change are women. This paper, therefore, engaged in an extensive review of existing literature to understand the differential role of women and men in regard to environmental degradation and its impact on both sexes. This paper employed mainly secondary sources of data collection to arrive at its conclusions. In its findings, it observed that women’s subordination in climate issues could be largely attributed to differences in power relations between women and men, women’s lack of access to resources resulting inthe high rate of poverty, thereby exposing them unequally to the effects of changes in climate. It also established the impacts of climate change on women, with implications ranging from less crop yield to a rise in vulnerability to natural disasters and diseases, among other things.
Interrogating the Causes, Effects and Societal Responses to Rape and Child-Defilement in Nigeria
(Interdisciplinary Journal of Rural and Community Studies, 2021) Adefisoye, Ibironke Damilola
Nigeria’s social landscape has been inundated by an alarming spate of rape and child defilement cases, so much more that there is hardly a week without media reports of rape in the country. Records released by the Nigeria Police Force shows that a total of seven hundred and seventeen cases of rape and child defilement were recorded in the first five months of the year 2020. More alarming is the defilement of minors and underage children by adults. The foregoing raises concerns and the need to interrogate the causes of alarming cases of rape and defilement of minors in Nigeria. The mixed methods research approach was adopted to generate both primary and secondary data. For the primary data, an online questionnaire was designed and administered to a total of two hundred and nine Nigerians across various sectors and regions of the country. Besides, six (6) key informants, each from the Ministry of Women, Legal Department, National Human Rights Commission, NGO, religious leader and media practitioners, were interviewed. On the other hand, government reports, gazettes, journal and newspaper articles were used to generate secondary data. Findings show that defilement of minors in Nigeria is perceived from a socio-cultural perspective as an avenue for money rituals. Other causes include mental disorders of perpetrators, alcoholism and substance abuse. Effects of such acts are physical and psychological. Recommendations on ways of curbing the menace include life sentences, name shame of perpetrators, and strict enforcement of existing laws prohibiting rape and defilement in the country
Nigeria and the Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security
(Journal of Public Administration and Development Alternatives, 2019-07) Adefisoye, Ibironke Damilola
With a determination to addressing the negative impacts of violent conflicts and wars on women and girls, the United Nations Security Council made Resolution 1325 in October 2000. In an effort to repositioning women and girls to play active roles in peace and security through the Resolution, the United Nations sought the involvement of UN member-states in its implementation. In response, the Nigerian government through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development formulated the first National Action Plan in 2013. Despite coming after twelve years, the first NAP did not achieve its major formulation goals owing to poor coordination of stakeholders; poor inter-agency collaboration; non-inclusion of violent conflicts/extremism; poor logistics; and lack of political will on the part of some states and local governments to domesticate gender-related laws. These challenges bedeviled the first NAP and occasioned the introduction of the second NAP in May 2017. This study, there fore, interrogates the challenges confronting the implementation of the UN SCR 1325 in mobilising women and girls to overcome the traditional challenges militating against their effective mobilisation for peacebuilding and engagement in security-related activities in Nigeria. Data for the study were generated from primary and secondary sources. The study revealed among other things that certain socio-cultural factors coupled with inherent ecological issues within Nigeria’s policy environment have affected the implementation of the UNSCR 1325 on women, peace and security and such undesirable trend may continue if concerted efforts are not geared towards addressing them.
Non-Governmental Organizations and the Policy Process: A Reflection on the Ekiti State Gender Equality Policy, 2011
(International Journal of Social Sciences Perspectives, 2020-01-23) Adefisoye, Ibironke Damilola
The policy process is a complex one that requires formal and informal linkages between governmental and other actors. Collaboration between the government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) is pivotal to the attainment of the goals of gender equality, which is to provide equal opportunities for men and women in the society. Despite the importance of this policy, studies show that certain factors in a policy environment might inhibit such alignment. Using the Ekiti State Gender Equality Policy of 2011 as a case study, this paper examined the importance of NGOs to the policy process of gender equality policy in Ekiti State. To achieve the objectives, an online survey was carried-out among twenty-two randomly selected workers of NGOs whose Organizations have previously worked on gender-related policies in Ekiti. Besides, Key Informant Interviews were conducted with two civil society experts. Data elicited were presented and analyzed using tables, frequency counts, percentage scores and the descriptive method. Findings showed that NGOs were adequately involved in the formulation and adoption stages of the Policy. However, such involvement was not fully imported into the implementation stage. This was because of the change in government in the State in 2014, which affected the continuity of the policy. This further validates the argument that the implementation stage is often the grave-yard of many good policies in Africa. It was concluded that if Ekiti State wishes to retain its frontline position in the promotion of the gender equality, it must ensure an improved synergy with NGOs and policy continuity.
Shifting Gender Norms and Sexual/Gender-Based Violence, Wealth Access, Decision-Making and Gender Equality in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
(Lagos Journal of Psychology, 2025-04) Adefisoye, Ibironke Damilola
This study examined the influence of gender norms on male and female students' experience of sexual/gender-based violence, wealth access, and decision-making in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Using a cross-sectional survey of 4,142 respondents, the study explored students’ attitudes towards economic participation, financial autonomy, and decision-making. While most female respondents rejected traditional gender roles, a small percentage of both males (11.82%) and females (24%) maintained patriarchal views, particularly regarding male dominance in business and decision-making. Some respondents also believed women should seek partner consent to start businesses or give their income to male partners. Despite these challenges, the study reveals a positive shift toward economic independence and decision-making equality. The findings emphasize the need for gender sensitization and institutional reforms to promote female entrepreneurship, financial independence, and inclusive leadership.
Shifting Gender Norms And Sexual/Gender-Based Violence, Wealth Access, Decision-Making And Gender Equality In Nigerian Tertiary Institutions.
(2025-04) Oluwatoyin Ilesanmi, Damilola Ibironke Adefisoye, Lanre Ikuteyijo Oluyemisi Obilade, Akanni Ibukun Akinyemi, Oyeyemi Babalola & Olutoyin Mejiuni
This study examined the influence of gender norms on male and female students' experience of sexual/gender-based violence, wealth access and decision-making in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Using a cross-sectional survey of 4,142 respondents, the study explored students’ attitudes towards economic participation, financial autonomy, and decision-making. While most female respondents rejected traditional gender roles, a small percentage of both males (11.82%) and females (24%) maintained patriarchal views, particularly regarding male dominance in business and decision-making. Some respondents also believed women should seek partner consent to start businesses or give their income to male partners. Despite these challenges, the study reveals a positive shift toward economic independence and decision-making equality. The findings emphasize the need for gender sensitization and institutional reforms to promote female entrepreneurship, financial independence, and inclusive leadership.
Shifting Sands: The Changing Landscape of Women’s Advocacy and Organising.
(2024) AKIYODE-AFOLABI, Abiola, ASUBIARO-DADA, Omowumi, ILESANMI, Oluwatoyin Olatundun & OLOFINTUADE, Ayodele
Politicians are elected and selected, but mass movements transform societies. Judges uphold, strike down, or invent brand-new laws, but mass movements drag the courts, laws and officeholders all in their wake. Progressive and even partially successful mass movements can alter the political calculus for decades to come, thus improving the lives of millions.... All these were hard-won outcomes of a protracted struggle by progressive mass movements, every one of which operated outside the law and none of which looked to elected officials or the corporate media of those days for blessings or legitimacy.
The Effect of Awareness on the Implementation of the Ekiti State Gender Equality Policy and other Related Laws, 2011-2016
(Journal of Good Governance in Africa, 2020-03) Adefisoye, Ibironke Damilola
The idea of gender equality evolved in a bid to eliminate all discriminatory social practices and create equal opportunities for men and women in all spheres of the society. Therefore, gender equality policy refers to actions taken by government and other stakeholders to achieve the goals of gender equality. Taking a cue from Ekiti State, Nigeria, the article examined the effects of awareness on the implementation of the States’ gender equality laws between 2011 and 2016. To achieve this objective, this study adopted the survey design through the administration of questionnaire and conduct of key informant interview. Specifically, a total of four hundred and fifty copies of a self-designed questionnaire were administered in selected towns across the three Senatorial Districts in the State. Besides, Key Informant Interviews were conducted with a senior official of the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs; and the Desk Officer at the Ado-Ekiti Division of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. Data collected were analysed using SPSS Version 21.0 and the descriptive method of analysis. Results were presented and interpreted using frequency tables, percentage and scores. The study found-out that there was a low level of awareness of the existing gender equality policy and gender-related affirmative action during the period under review; a development that constituted a major hindrance to the attainment of the goals of gender equality in the State. The paper recommended that efforts should be made to create awareness on the existing gender laws/policy in order to boost the chances of fruitful implementation.
WOMEN AND HOUSEHOLD POVERTY, FROM BREAST FEEDING TO BREAD WINNING (A CASE OF EKITI STATE, NIGERIA).
(Centre for Gender and Development Studies, Ekiti State University, Nigeria, 2020-01-01) Adefisoye, Ibironke Damilola
In traditional African society, women’s roles as child bearers, caregivers to children, the sick and the elderly, and in food production are seen as very important to the health and survival of their immediate families. Women are also involved in petty trading and other informal economic activities that are lowly remunerated. However, in recent time women’s responsibilities have shifted from these known roles to full involvement in formal economic activities. This paper focuses on women economic participation and the implication on household poverty/welfare. It argues that, increasing female formal economic engagement serves as a spring board for families to move out of poverty. This is because women re-invest a much larger part of their income in families and communities than men thereby spreading the wealth and creating a positive impact on future development. Using random sampling, data were collected through questionnaire and in-depth interview from respondents in Ado Local government area of Ekiti State. Findings from the study revealed that westernization through education and religion are responsible for women’s shift from their traditional role to formal economic engagement. Although this transition has some negative implications but the positive impacts which include improvement in family nutrition, children access to better education and educational facilities have strong influence on the households.
Women's Visibility in Decision Making Processes in Africa—Progress, Challenges, and Way Forward
(2018-12-10) Ilesanmi, Oluwatoyin Olatundun
Concerns over women's marginalization and invisibility in Africa policy-making, remains a fervent international discourse. These concerns are likely due to restrictive laws, cultural diversities and practices, institutional barriers, as well as disproportionate access to quality education, healthcare, and resources. Reversing these discriminatory practices is not impossible, and can be achieved by implementing the right mechanisms across the continent. The process toward increasing the visibility of women in decision-making across the continent, requires an understanding of the progress made so far, the challenges faced and the way forward. As a consequence, this paper conducted a review of literature to determine the key decision-making organs in Africa, the current status of African women and women's organizations in decision-making, existing institutional policies demanding female involvement in decision-making and the progress made in the continent so far. This paper will also provide recommendations to accelerate the way forward in view of Agenda 2030.

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