ANALYSIS AND REPORTAGE OF SEXUAL GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF THE GUARDIAN, PUNCH AND VANGUARD NEWSPAPERS

ABSTRACT This study, titled “An Analysis of Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Reportage in The Guardian, Punch and Vanguard Newspapers,” critically examined how issues of sexual and gender-based violence are reported, framed, and represented in one of Nigeria’s leading national dailies. Motivated by the rising incidence of SGBV in Nigeria and the media’s pivotal role in shaping societal perception and advocacy, the study sought to determine the extent, nature, and quality of The Nation’s coverage. Specifically, it analyzed the types of SGBV stories published, their prominence, dominant themes, representation of victims and perpetrators, and the framing and tone adopted in reportage.The study employed the content analysis method, examining selected editions of The Guardian, Punch and Vanguard Newspapers within a defined period. Data were systematically coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics complemented by qualitative interpretation. Findings revealed that while The Nation reported SGBV through various formats—such as news, features, and editorials—the coverage was inconsistent and often lacked prominence. The themes were largely centered on rape and domestic violence, with limited attention to sexual harassment, trafficking, and psychological abuse. Victims were generally portrayed sympathetically but occasionally sensationalized, while advocacy-oriented framing remained minimal.The study concludes that The Guardian, Punch and Vanguard Newspapers plays a notable yet inconsistent role in advancing public discourse on SGBV. It recommends increased frequency, prominence, and gender-sensitive reporting, as well as the integration of advocacy and human rights frames to enhance awareness, policy response, and social change. Keywords: Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Media Framing, The Guardian, Punch and Vanguard Newspapers, Representation, Content Analysis, Nigeria Word Count: 231