Study of Cultural Practices Harmful to Women in Nasarawa State: A Community Perspective

Harmful cultural practices remain a persistent form of gender-based discrimination that affects women's physical health, reproductive rights, and human dignity in various communities across Nigeria. This study examines the prevalence, community perceptions, and impact of harmful cultural practices targeting women in Nasarawa State, focusing on Lafia, Akwanga, and Toto Local Government Areas. A community-based participatory design was adopted, with structured questionnaires administered to 250 community members and focus group discussions conducted with 60 women across selected communities. Data were analysed using frequency distributions, content analysis, and thematic coding. Findings identify wife inheritance, female genital mutilation (though declining), forced widow cleansing, and denial of inheritance rights as the most prevalent harmful practices in the study area. Community members show mixed attitudes, with younger respondents more likely to oppose harmful practices but social pressure and fear of community sanction limiting overt resistance. Religious leaders and traditional rulers are identified as having the most influence on cultural norm change. Recommendations include community dialogues facilitated by trained gender advocates, legal sensitisation on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, and engagement of faith institutions in campaigns against harmful practices. This research contributes to gender and cultural studies knowledge for the North Central geopolitical zone. Keywords: harmful cultural practices, women, Nasarawa State, community, gender-based discrimination