Date of Conferral

4-21-2025

Date of Award

April 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

MARCEL KITISSOU

Abstract

Violent extremism presented significant challenges to Nigerians, especially women and children in Northern Nigeria. Women’s consistent roles in the fight for gender equality have been overlooked in the academic literature although their role as valuable players in this fight is essential in achieving the required paradigm shift. Guided by Wollstonecraft’s liberal feminist theory, the purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to gain a deeper understanding of women’s roles in combating violent extremism in Nigeria so that strategies and policies could be devised to promote a continuing inclination toward gender equality. The research questions addressed the experiences of women who had achieved leadership positions in the fight against violent extremism in Nigeria, and the practical strategies and policy approaches Nigeria could use to enhance women’s participation in the fight against violent extremism. Data were obtained through Zoom interviews with 10 Nigerian women. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed using Yin’s five steps. Key findings included building resilience in the community, leadership in conflict zones, personal sacrifice and emotional trauma, resistance and gender stereotypes, promoting gender-sensitive security sector reform, supporting women’s leadership in promoting peacekeeping, and creating a safe and inclusive platform for women’s voices. Social change implications include encouragement of the development of strategies and policies that can potentially further the movement toward gender equality and the social and political leadership of women in Nigeria.

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