Male Nurses in Nigeria Break Silence on Gender-Based Violence in Hospitals
Published on 18 February 2026, male nurses in Nigeria have courageously spoken out about enduring verbal and emotional gender-based violence within hospital environments. Survivors have disclosed how discrimination and public humiliation from female colleagues have severely impacted their professional integrity and mental well-being. This revelation challenges the common assumption that gender-based violence exclusively affects women, highlighting that male victims often suffer in silence due to societal neglect.
Experiences of Harassment and Discrimination
In anonymous interviews, male nurses described specific incidents of abuse. One nurse recounted being publicly demeaned by a senior female colleague who intentionally referred to him as a student nurse and issued orders in front of peers. He expressed feeling diminished, underrated, and disgraced, noting that such actions constitute emotional violence by stereotyping and undermining his professional status. Another survivor shared a similar experience where a female colleague publicly rebuked him for a minor error, rather than offering constructive correction, which he said affected his integrity deeply and left lasting emotional scars.
The Role of Training and Workplace Harmony
Staff emphasized that addressing gender-based violence requires proactive measures. Key recommendations include:
- Enhanced training and orientation programs to educate healthcare workers on respectful communication and stress management.
- Regular workshops and seminars focused on mental health support to help staff cope with workplace pressures.
- Promoting workplace harmony by eliminating segregation and bias among staff, fostering a culture of mutual respect regardless of gender.
One nurse pointed out that abuse often stems from stress, suggesting that increasing the number of male staff and providing mental health resources could reduce incidents. He advised male nurses to tolerate and address issues with caution to maintain professional relationships.
Broader Context of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria
This issue is part of a larger pattern of gender-based violence in Nigeria, as evidenced by recent reports. For instance, in Adamawa State, a woman was brutally killed over witchcraft allegations in 2026, sparking public outrage. Police data from 2025 recorded 23 gender-based violence cases in the state, including three adult rapes and 20 child defilements, underscoring the pervasive abuse faced by women and minors. These incidents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat violence across all genders and settings.
The call to action from male nurses stresses that respect and value should be taught from home, extending to professional environments. By implementing these measures, Nigerian hospitals can work towards safer, more equitable workplaces for all healthcare professionals.
