GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN IN KAKUA CHIEFDOM, BO CITY, SIERRA LEONE

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a major public health, human rights and development challenge that disproportionately affects women worldwide. In Sierra Leone, despite policy reforms and interventions by government and development partners, GBV continues to undermine women's social and economic wellbeing. This study examined the effects of genderbased violence on the socio-economic development of women in Kakua Chiefdom, Bo City, Sierra Leone. Specifically, the study investigated the causes of gender-based violence, examined its socio-economic effects on women, and assessed its prevalence within the study area. A cross-sectional research design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted. A sample of 50 respondents was selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, while relevant literature was reviewed to complement the empirical findings. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics comprising frequencies and percentages, whereas qualitative responses were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that poverty, unemployment, harmful cultural practices, gender inequality and economic dependence were the major causes of gender-based violence. The study further established that GBV significantly affected women's physical and mental health, reduced their economic productivity, weakened family relationships and limited their participation in community development activities. Respondents also perceived the prevalence of GBV in Kakua Chiefdom to be high despite ongoing interventions by government institutions and non-governmental organizations. The study concludes that gender-based violence remains a significant obstacle to women's socio-economic development. It recommends strengthening the enforcement of existing laws, promoting women's economic empowerment, expanding community awareness programmes and improving access to comprehensive support services for survivors.