Vandals or Victims? Poverty, Risk Perception and Vulnerability of Women to oil Pipeline Disasters in Nigeria

Abstract

Since the Jesse oil pipeline fire disaster in October 1998 in Delta State, oil pipeline fire disasters have become a recurrent source of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Undoubtedly, the past decade has witnessed increasing incidences of pipeline vandalization with concomitant cascading explosions that pose serious threats to human security in Nigeria. One social category that is hardest hit by oil pipeline disasters in Nigeria are women. This paper examines both the sources of risks of oil pipeline disasters and the factors that underlie risk perception by, and the vulnerability of, women to pipeline disasters. It argues that the vulnerability of women to oil pipeline disasters in Nigeria is mediated through complex processes involving geographical, economic, social, and political factors that exposes them to risks as well as greatly influence their perception and interpretation of risk situations. The article concludes with a range of policy recommendations suggested by the analysis.

Gender & Behaviour Vol. 6 (2) 2008: pp. 1897-1924