Authors : Wale Adesina , Femi Tinuola and Iyaji Adejoh
Abstract: Hawking among young women is a common phenomenon in most countries of the sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria and it has been a source of concern to the stakeholders in socio-economic conditions of women. This descriptive survey examines the patterns of sexual behaviour among young women hawkers in Igaland, North central Nigeria. Six hundred young women, selected on purposive sampling technique, who were engaged in hawking along a Federal road stretch of about 200 km in Igalaland participated in the study through a self administered structured questionnaire. Data were coded and analysed using SPSS computer package. Findings revealed risky sexual activity is prevalent among women hawkers and high rate of sexual networking, putting them at high risks of unintended pregnancies, abortion and infection with Sexually Transmitted Infection including HIV/AIDS. Factors indicated to have been responsible for high sexual networking; low age at first sexual intercourse and low age at marriage reported among the hawkers are socio-cultural and economic specific. Youth empowerment in form of job opportunities and vocational skills, financial support for self employment and sexual education is recommended to improve their economic conditions and ensure a healthy sexual living.
Wale Adesina , Femi Tinuola and Iyaji Adejoh , 2008. An Indepth Analysis of Pattern of Sexual Behaviour of Young Women Road Hawkers in Nigeria. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 5: 739-743.