Poverty and the Rise of Social Vices in Nigeria Since Independence: A Case of Prostitution Amongst Women

Abstract

The paper examines the nexus between poverty and the rise in social vices in Nigeria since independence. These vices include Prostitution, Drug Abuse, Cultism, Kidnapping, etc. The paper is of the view that there is feminization of poverty in Nigeria, where it affects more women than men. This is due to gender inequality in employment, education, land ownership and other economic opportunities. There is also increased number of households headed by women. Thus the impoverished women are faced with no choice but to turn to prostitution which has social, economic and health consequences. The paper therefore recommends government’s provision of social protection services for single mothers, female house heads, as well as make poverty alleviation programmes more gender-sensitive. Data for the study was obtained from secondary and tertiary sources.

Keywords: Women, Poverty, Prostitution, Feminization