Reproductive Health for Conflict-Affected Displaced Women in Nigeria: An Intersectionality-Based Critical Ethnography Study

Abstract

Abstract Nigeria is a significant contributor to the global forcibly displaced population. The majority of this displacement is related to Boko Haram and herdsmen attacks in Northern Nigeria. A growing body of research has started to investigate issues surrounding protection concerns for the internally displaced who have been uprooted by these uprisings and attacks. Importantly, research is also starting to engage with issues of sexual violence and unwanted pregnancies associated with the conflict and displacement. This article aims to develop this work further by examining intersecting factors shaping the reproductive health experiences of women internally displaced by the Boko Haram and Herdsmen crisis in Northern Nigeria. To this end, a critical ethnography study involving in-depth interviews with 29 internally displaced women and five service providers in Northern Nigeria was completed between May 2019 to September 2019. Three major intersected subjects pertaining to women’s reproductive health access were observed. These were: (1) normative perceptions and the prevalence of urogenital infections; (2) decisions made on birthplaces and number of births; (3) income and accessibility to care. The findings illustrate the interrelated economic and sociocultural factors that constrain access to reproductive health for internally displaced women.