Conflicts and Professional Work Relationships: Impacts on Gender Relations in Educational Institutions in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Since 2001, Jos city and its environs in Plateau State have been enmeshed in cyclical ethno-religious violent conflicts which have resulted in huge carnage and divisions of the area into spasms and enclaves along ethno-religious backgrounds even in educational institutions. This paper is derived from my doctoral thesis based on information collected through interview narratives from two higher institutions and two high schools in Jos, utilised focus group discussions and interviews to investigate the impact of ethno-religious conflicts on gender and professional work relationships. The study reveals that women are subjected to scrutiny on the basis of religion and their gender making the school and workplace unsafe, leading to widespread alienation, gendered aggression with consequent impact on productivity and Women's Career progression. Also, the conflicts in Jos have significantly subverted codes and elements of professional work relationships. Also, the study shows that the conflicts have affected gender relationships in academic institutions leading to frustration, resentment and hostile behaviours.