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STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF WOMEN TRAFFICKING AS A SOCIAL PROBLEM IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Human trafficking has become a social menace in our society. It has gone beyond a local problem, but has assumed a status of global threat and lay credence to the saying that all crimes have international implications and consequences.

Human trafficking is a fraudulent recruitment, transfer or harboring of persons by means of threat or deceit for exploitative purposes, which could be for prostitution, forced labour, ritual, among others. It is a form of modern day slavery that involves abduction, coercion, violence and exploitation in the most reprehensible ways (Loar 1999, Essien 2001).

The United States President Interagency on Trafficking defined human trafficking as the recruitment, transport, harboring, transfer, sale of receipt of person through coercion, fraud or deception in order to set people in a situation such as forced prostitution, domestic servitude, sweatshop labour or other kinds of work to pay off debts.

Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) (1999) states the following as all acts that could be referred to as human trafficking;

1.all acts involved in the recruitment, abduction, transport (within or across boards), sale, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons by threat or use of force, deceptions, coercion (including abuse of authority) or debt bondage.

2. for the purpose of placing or holding such a person, whether for pay or not in involuntary servitude, forced or bonded labour or in slavery like conditions (including forced prostitution).

3.in a community other than the one in which the person lived at the time of the original deception, coercion or debt bondage;

Woman trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of threat or use of force or other forms of deception of the abuse of power or of position of vulnerability or of benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person for the purpose of exploitation. Porous borders and desperately poor economic conclusions in west and central African sub-region have prompted people to migrate to trade and farm. But poverty has led families into more desperate measures as green seen in the increasing number of children and young people being trafficked into exploitative labour and prostitution (Akinbayo 1998)

            In Nigeria, children have traditionally been used as assets to assist with house business and farm chores. The socialization process and its related out within the social safety net of the community. However, with increasing unemployment, a weak institutional framework and a breakdown of the extended family system, millions of children have been forced into new types of labor that are exploitative, hazardous and prejudicial to their welfare and development, middle men have now emerged who exploit the desperation and ignorance of parents particularly those in the rural area to produce children and exploitative labor this as become known as child trafficking. As child labour and trafficking in the African region began increasing media attention studies for a conducted to confirm the extend of the problem UNICEF constructed a pilot study in 1998 on the solution in the southern Nigeria border town of Calabar Ugo Owerri port-headcount and Lagos and found that 40% of Nigeria girls living on trafficking for prostitution activities.  In addition, regional conferences in continuo in 1998 and in Libreville in 2000, stings more light on the problem. The conference called for concerted action at the country and girls trafficking with appropriate laws, sensitization programmes and bilateral agreement between countries on the sub-region. Specifically the Libreville platform of legal frameworks and improving border patrols repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficking children (Ebigbo 1997). Many people assisted in the development of this report, while each one’s contribution is most warmly appreciated, special motions must be made of professor peter O. Ebigbo, the lead consultant on this report, who brought expensed know ledged of child labour and girls trafficking to the project. Dozens of federal, state and local government partners contributed and continue to reduce the problem and effect of child trafficking. There are also NGOS addressing the problem, many of whom are noted active organizations. An example of an innovative practice in the war against child trafficking is the establishment of a skill acquisition center by India renaissance in Edo State. Also India renaissance was established in july 1999 in response to the rising incidence of drug abuse, drug trafficking. Many girls from Edo State, mostly in secondary schools unable to withstand the pressures from parents and family members, progressively came to seek refuge at India renaissance.

            As most of the girls are repatriated from Haley, India renaissance is working in partnership with the Italian Government and two Italian based NIGOS, TAMPED and CARITAS, as part of a transactional approach to reaccept this modern-day slave trade. India Renaissance is also collaborating with the committee for the dignity of women and hood, a group out of the caloric church in Benin. This study therefore intends to investigate the perception of women trafficking as a social problem in Nigeria, a case study of the Ilorin metropolis (Effati 1996).

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The issue of women trafficking in Nigeria has become a matter of concern to schools and the government due to the increasing wave of the activities and its adverse effect on the health of the victims and the image of the country. in this case, the victims have been deported back to multiple set abroad before been deported back to the country, this shows that they must have been deported back to the country, this shows that they must have been infected with sexually transmitted disease such as AID, syphilis

This situation will increase the number of AIDS and other sexually transmitted disease victims in the country. The problem will also give a bad image to the name of the country. In the course if the rehabilitation of the deportees the government will have to commit the meager resources available to their welfare at the expanses of increasing industries to reduce the employment figures in the country.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to determine students’ perception of women trafficking as a social problem. Specific objectives include;

1. To explore the underlying factors influencing students' perception of women trafficking as a social problem.

2. To investigate the extent to which societal attitudes and beliefs shape students' perceptions of women trafficking.

3. To examine the relationship between awareness of anti-trafficking measures and students' perception of women trafficking as a social problem.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What socio-cultural factors contribute to students' perception of women trafficking as a social problem?

2. How do societal attitudes and beliefs influence students' understanding and acknowledgment of women trafficking as a significant issue?

3. What is the correlation between students' awareness of anti-trafficking efforts and their perception of women trafficking as a social problem?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Hypothesis i: Greater exposure to media coverage on women trafficking will be positively correlated with heightened perception of it as a social problem among students.

Hypothesis ii: Students from regions with higher incidences of women trafficking will demonstrate a more acute perception of it as a social issue compared to students from regions with lower incidences.

Hypothesis iii: Education and awareness campaigns targeted at anti-trafficking measures will positively impact students' perception of women trafficking as a significant societal concern.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The funding of the study would be useful to parents in that it will educate them on the problem of women trafficking in Nigeria. The study will also inform the entire people in the country on the disadvantages inherent in women trafficking activities. It will ensure a good image of the country through effective measures taken to eradicate the problem. The study will serve as a useful resource tool for further research works.

The study, particularly within the Ilorin metropolis, holds significant importance due to the gravity of the issue and its widespread impact on society. With the rise in trafficking incidents, especially of vulnerable populations like children and young women, understanding how this phenomenon is perceived within local communities is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. By delving into the perceptions of stakeholders, including community members, policymakers, and NGOs, the study can inform targeted awareness campaigns, policy reforms, and grassroots initiatives aimed at combating trafficking and protecting victims' rights.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study encompasses an in-depth examination of the perception of women trafficking specifically within the Ilorin metropolis in Nigeria. It will investigate various aspects of trafficking, including recruitment methods, types of exploitation, societal attitudes, and existing interventions. The study will focus on stakeholders directly involved in addressing trafficking issues, such as law enforcement agencies, government officials, NGOs, and community leaders. While the findings may provide insights applicable to broader contexts within Nigeria, the primary focus remains on understanding the local dynamics and challenges surrounding women trafficking in Ilorin. The study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on trafficking while offering practical recommendations for stakeholders to enhance anti-trafficking efforts within the region.

1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Limitations of the study include potential challenges in obtaining comprehensive data due to the sensitive nature of the topic, as victims and perpetrators may be hesitant to disclose information. Additionally, the study's scope is confined to the Ilorin metropolis, which may limit the generalizability of findings to other regions in Nigeria. Time and resource constraints may also affect the depth of analysis and the ability to conduct longitudinal research. Furthermore, the study's reliance on self-reporting and perceptions may introduce bias, and external factors such as political instability or social unrest could impact the research environment and outcomes.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Women Trafficking: The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of women by means of threat, force, coercion, deception, or abuse of power for the purpose of exploitation, including but not limited to forced labor, sexual exploitation, or servitude.

2. Exploitative Labor: Any form of work or service extracted from individuals under conditions of coercion, deception, or abuse, often resulting in physical, psychological, or economic harm.

3. Prostitution: The act or practice of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money, goods, services, or other forms of compensation.

4. Child Trafficking: The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of children for the purpose of exploitation, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, or involvement in criminal activities.

5. Socio-cultural Factors: Social and cultural influences, norms, beliefs, and practices within a society or community that shape attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions towards women trafficking and related issues.

6. Community Safety Net: A system of informal support, resources, and assistance provided within a community to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, abuse, or other threats to their well-being.

7. NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations): Non-profit organizations independent of government control, typically dedicated to addressing social, humanitarian, or environmental issues, including efforts to combat women trafficking and support victims.

8. Skill Acquisition Center:  Facilities or programs designed to provide individuals, particularly survivors of trafficking or exploitation, with training, education, and resources to develop practical skills and pursue sustainable livelihoods. 

9. Transactional Approach:  An approach to addressing social issues or conflicts that emphasizes negotiation, collaboration, and mutual benefit among stakeholders, often involving exchanges of resources, services, or agreements to achieve common goals.

10. Dignity of Women and Childhood: A concept emphasizing the inherent value, worth, and rights of women and children, particularly in the context of protecting them from exploitation, abuse, and violations of their human rights.

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