Gender-Sensitive Police Training and Its Impact on Reducing Crime Against Women in Lagos Informal Settlements, 2001

Lagos, Nigeria has a high incidence of crime against women in informal settlements, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study employed qualitative interviews with police officers, community leaders, and victims to evaluate changes in police behaviour following gender-sensitive training. Police officers reported a significant increase (45%) in awareness of the legal rights of women during interactions, which translated into more supportive and less coercive responses from women victims. Gender-sensitive policing can lead to improved outcomes for women crime victims if implemented with appropriate support and accountability mechanisms. Policymakers should integrate gender sensitivity training into police curricula and provide ongoing supervision and resources to ensure sustained impact.