Socio-cultural Violence and Discrimination Against Women in Somalia

ABSTRACT This research established Socio-Cultural Violence and Discrimination against Women in Somalia. As specific objectives this study was set; to identify the major forms of socio cultural violence and discrimination against women in Mogadishu, Somalia; to examine the causes of violence and discrimination against women in Mogadishu; To establish the effects of socio-cultural violence and discrimination on the women in Mogadishu Somalia and to Suggest the possible ways of minimizing socio-cultural violence and discrimination against women in Mogadishu, Somalia.The researcher employed descriptive correlation design and used Slovene’s formula to determine a sample size of 160. Sampling was done using simple random sampling technique. Information was obtained from respondents through selfadministered questionnaires and the researcher followed all the ethical considerations of research. Data was analyzed in both qualitative and quantitatively using statistical techniques such as frequency, percentages, mean and correlation matrix as well as regression matrix. The findings indicated that women in Somalia are subjected to various forms of socio-cultural violence and discrimination which include; son preference leading to female foeticide, battering of women during pregnancy, neglect and marginal treatment to women, sexual abuse, confinement within household, forced early marriages, acid throwing, dowry related abuses and deaths, and wife battering, there exist various social, cultural and economic and political factors that contribute to socio-cultural violence against women in Somalia. These include; existence of a patriarchal society, discriminatory laws, social practices, culture, religion and tradition, portrayal of women by media, vicious cycle of poverty and economic dependency, violence against women leads to far-reaching physical and psychological consequences; some with fatal outcomes. Among the physical consequences identified include; as injury (from lacerations to fractures and internal organs injury), Self-injurious behaviors (smoking, unprotected sex), STDs including HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, The appropriate strategies for minimizing the level of socio-cultural violence and discrimination against women identified during the study include; ensuring equal education opportunities, criminalization of violence and discrimination against women, political commitment, legislation, training and community support services, coordination amongst various agencies, ratification to the international human rights instruments, increase economic opportunities for women, education through media, and establish community service systems. If these strategies are effectively implemented then the level of socio-cultural violence will be minimized by a greater extent. The study has found that there is a high prevalence of socio-cultural violence against women in Mogadishu and Somalia as a whole. The prevalence of socio-cultural violence against women in Mogadishu cuts across age, culture and socio-economic status. It follows therefore that this age long evil against women is still prevalent despite so much presentations in international conferences on women and their rights, the following recommendations were formulated, There is need to do analysis using non parametric methods in further studies, There is need to develop national and local action plans for ending violence against women and girls in every country that bring the government, women’s and other civil society organizations, the mass media and the private sector into a coordinated, collective front against such human rights violations. There is need to make justice accessible to women and girls by providing free legal and specialized services, and increasing women in law enforcement and frontline services.

 TABLE OF CONTEN rs

PreNminaries Page

Declaration A ii

Declaration B iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Abstract vi

Table of Contents vii

List of Tables ix

Chapter

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 6

Purpose of the Study 7

Research Objectives 7

Research Questions 7

Scope 8

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 9

Two REVIEWOF RELATED LITERATURE 10

Related Studies 27

Theoretical perspectives 30

hree METHODOLOGY 35

Research Design 35

Research Population 35

Sample Size 36

Sampling Procedure 36

Research Instrument 37

Validity and Reliability of Research Instruments 37

Data Gathering Procedures 38

Data AnalysIs 38

Ethical ConsideratIons 38

Umitatlons of the Study 39

Four PRESENTAflON, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETAnON

OF DATA 40

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 50

FindIngs 50

ConclusIons 52

Recommendations 52

References 56

AppendIces 62

Appendix IA - Transmittal Letter 62

Appendix I B - Transmittal Letter for Respondents 63

Appendix II- Clearance from Ethics Committee 64

Appendix III- Informed Consent 65

Appendix IV - Research Instrument 66

Researcher’s Curriculum VItae 72