Gender Roles of Grandmothers in the Care of Their Grandchildren in Ekiti State

This study examines the gender roles of grandmothers in the care of their grandchildren in Ekiti State, Nigeria, focusing on how cultural traditions, socio-economic conditions, and evolving family structures shape caregiving practices. Using a qualitative descriptive research design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with twenty participants, including grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers, and fathers in Ado-Ekiti and Iworoko-Ekiti communities. Findings reveal that grandmothers serve as primary caregivers across both rural and urban settings, providing emotional, moral, and physical support to their grandchildren. Their involvement stems from strong cultural expectations that associate women with nurturing and caregiving roles. The results further show that while urban grandmothers face challenges of privacy and space constraints, rural grandmothers experience greater economic hardship and physical strain due to limited access to resources. Economic factors significantly influence caregiving, as many grandmothers depend on small-scale trading, pensions, or support from their children, with 50% earning between ₦30,000 and ₦50,000 monthly. Health-related challenges, emotional stress, and financial burdens were common among respondents. Despite these challenges, grandmothers’ caregiving roles promote family stability, cultural continuity, and child well-being, reinforcing their importance in intergenerational support systems. The study concludes that grandmothers’ caregiving contributions are indispensable yet undervalued in contemporary Nigerian families. It recommends increased financial support, access to healthcare, and community-based initiatives to sustain and enhance their caregiving capacity and well-being.