In the ongoing battle against gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, an unexpected and powerful ally has emerged – educational mathematics. Beyond its conventional academic boundaries, mathematics education is proving to be a crucial tool in empowering students, fostering equality, and challenging the chains of gender-based violence prevalent in our society. Mathematics, a subject integral to basic and secondary education in Nigeria, significantly shapes the mindset of learners, transcending its traditional classification as a pure science to encompass social science applications. As Galileo Galilei aptly expressed, “Mathematics is the alphabet with which God has written the universe.”
Educational mathematics empowers individuals by providing them with essential problem-solving skills, fostering logical and critical thinking abilities, and building confidence and self-efficacy. This approach is particularly pertinent in the global and Nigerian context of gender-based violence, where approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence, and 30% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have reported experiencing physical violence.
The integration of gender-sensitive mathematics education offers numerous benefits, including empowerment through knowledge, promotion of critical thinking, confidence-building, encouragement of inclusivity, and the fostering of leadership skills. By infusing a gender-sensitive approach into math education, students gain the skills and knowledge to challenge societal norms perpetuating gender-based violence.
To fully realize the potential of this alliance, comprehensive teacher training is essential to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Curriculum integration involves infusing real-world examples highlighting the contributions of both genders, actively breaking down gender stereotypes. Furthermore, community engagement is indispensable, fostering collaboration between schools, parents, community leaders, and NGOs to create a comprehensive network of support for gender-sensitive mathematics education.
In conclusion, a holistic approach is imperative in the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria. By harnessing the power of educational mathematics, we have the opportunity to nurture a generation equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to challenge and overcome gender inequalities. Through inclusive and gender-sensitive mathematics education, we can pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future, breaking the chains of gender-based violence that persist in our society.
Joshua Ibeazor, a PTA Mathematics teacher JSS Wuse Zone 3 A
