DYNAMICS AND IMPLICATIONS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN RAZINAT MOHAMMED'S A LOVE LIKE A WOMAN'S AND OTHER STORIES

Gender-based violence is one of the most oppressive forms of gender inequality, posing a fundamental barrier to the equal participation of women and men in social, economic, and political spheres. Gender-based violence (GBV) has increasingly gained global attention over the past years. Focused studies continue to be conducted in African countries to understand the nature, prevalence, causes and consequences of GBV in all spheres of life. Cultural taboos and restrictions in some societies have subjected women to exploitation, oppression and subjugation. Although genderbased violence against women is widely discouraged, unequal power relations between sexes still linger. Thus, the study explores the dynamics and implications of genderbased violence in Razinat Mohammed's A Love Like a Woman's and Other Stories (2006), depicting its various facets and consequences. The theoretical framework is situated on the African feminist theory and Psychoanalytic theory, which aids in understanding the intentions of the authors in the texts, and mirroring how society, traditions, and religious doctrines contribute to gender-based violence. The study explores the different forms of violence, including physical, psychological, sexual, and socio-economic abuse that disproportionately affect marginalised populations. Qualitative textual analysis is the methodology employed for the study, using the primary texts selected and other secondary texts that are relevant. The study finds that gender-based violence is deeply rooted in unequal power dynamics between genders and can be manifested in various forms, highlighting the detrimental effects on survivors' physical and mental well-being, education, and social integration. The study concludes by advocating for further research, policy initiatives, and collective action to combat gender-based violence. The study also recommends the involvement of government, civil society organisations, and individuals in creating safe and inclusive societies where everyone has equal rights, dignity, and freedom from violence.