AMAMIHE Journal of Applied Philosophy

The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), also known as the Biafran War, was one of the most devastating conflicts in post-colonial Africa, with profound humanitarian consequences. While much scholarly attention has been given to the political and military aspects of the war, the gender-specific experiences of women, particularly in regions like Anambra State, remain underexplored. This study investigates the manifestations and impacts of gender-based violence (GBV) during the conflict, with a focus on the physical, psychological, and socioeconomic toll on women. Drawing on historical records, oral histories, and existing literature, the study analyzes how war intensified structural violence, displaced women, subjected them to sexual exploitation, and exposed them to political repression. It further explores the cultural stigma faced by survivors in the post-war era and the limited institutional response to their suffering. The paper concludes that gendered violence during the Nigerian Civil War was not merely incidental, but a systemic outcome of both war and patriarchy. The research underscores the need to centre women’s narratives in war histories and to develop gendersensitive frameworks for historical memory, justice, and post-conflict policy in Nigeria. 

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