International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Sexual harassment against the girl-child is a pervasive and disturbing issue in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger-Delta region. The region's socio-economic challenges, cultural norms, and lack of effective communication have exacerbated the vulnerability of young girls to sexual exploitation. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in shaping the lives of these young girls, and their communication patterns can significantly influence their ability to prevent or respond to sexual harassment. Despite the importance of this issue, there is a dearth of research on the impact of parents and guardians' communication patterns in preventing sexual harassment against the girl-child in the Niger-Delta region.
Objective: This study investigated the role of parents' and guardians' communication patterns in preventing sexual harassment against the Girl-Child in the Asaba metropolis, Delta State.
Method: The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, employing both survey and interview techniques. A total of 125 respondents (parents/guardians and girl-children aged 8–16) were purposively and randomly selected across eleven communities. Results: The findings revealed a high level of general awareness among parents about sexual harassment. However, a significant gap was identified in the ability of girl-children to recognize subtle forms of harassment, which was attributed to a lack of explicit and consistent parental communication. The study found that while various communication patterns exist, the most effective were open, trust-based dialogues, which empowered the girl-child to identify and report incidents. Conversely, cultural taboos, a lack of parental knowledge, and the belief that other institutions should handle these issues were identified as the most significant barriers to effective communication. A strong, positive relationship was established between specific communication patterns and a girl-child’s ability to prevent and report harassment.
Conclusion: The study concludes that parental communication is a critical protective factor against sexual harassment in Nigeria.
Unique Contribution: The study offered insights on the important role parents and guardians can play in educating the girl-child on preventive measures against sexual harassments in the country.
Key Recommendation: It recommends that parents, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) work collaboratively to dismantle cultural barriers and promote proactive, evidence-based communication strategies.