Impact of the Niger Delta conflict on women and their livelihood in Nigeria

The Niger Delta conflict has affected women and their livelihoods in the region. With the conflict affecting them through the operations of militants, pirates, and cultists, limited accessible paid jobs, patriarchy and social barriers, as well as their health, women’s livelihoods have been impacted too. In times of war, women are seen as participants, victims, survivors, and protectors. Despite the violence, women in the Niger Delta have managed to participate in formal and extra-legal jobs to support their families. These livelihoods may not be viable after the war, which contributes to the conflict’s persistence. Female headed households are significantly affected by the conflict, as they continue to support their families while also fulfilling their societal reproductive roles, they are limited by patriarchal society where they live. This study aimed at creating understanding on how women in the Niger Delta conflict and their livelihoods are impacted, as well as methods to transform their lives. The war in the region is fluid, and new obstacles emerge on a regular basis. How women were affected in the 1990s differs from how they are influenced today. This research is basically on the recounted experiences of the women in the Niger Delta region, how the conflict impacted them and their livelihoods and to explore intervention initiatives that can improve their means of livelihood. Finally, the humanitarian interventions have brought relative peace in the region, however, income diversification, recognising and respecting the labour contributions of women, engaging men, state and non-state actors to champion the cause of women, women supporting one another, and embracing innovation and technological advancements will boost the livelihoods of women in the region and cushion the effects of the conflict.