Sexual violence is a traumatic experience that affect the mental and wellbeing of women and girls. It comes with a range of sexual and reproductive health problems with both immediate and long-term consequences. The girl child who is most vulnerable often falls victim to this disastrous act. This study was conducted to determine the challenges of the effect of sexual violence on the female adolescent, her family and the nation and the challenges of this act to the development of Nigeria and its’ developmental sustainability. It presented a narrative analysis of interviews with selected female adolescents who were victims of sexual violence. Insight was gained on the challenges and effects on the victims, families and the nation at large by giving voice to these female adolescents who have experienced sexual abuse. The study recommended that achieving gender equality and sustainable development in Nigeria would require the government to design polices and frameworks that will curb sexual violence against women and girls in Nigeria and that would also empower them.
Keywords: Development, Female adolescents, Gender equality, Sexual violence, Sustainable development