10, December 2025
The Enugu State Government has taken a significant step in the fight against gender-based violence by launching the Enugu State Gender-Based Violence Taskforce.
The event, which brought together stakeholders from various sectors, aims to strengthen coordinated action against GBV and ensure that survivors receive the support and justice they deserve.
The state government has declared zero tolerance for GBV, with the task force working to prevent violence, protect survivors, and enforce accountability.
The initiative emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government agencies, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and development partners in addressing GBV.
The task force will adopt a survivor-centered approach, providing support and empowerment programs for survivors.
Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih emphasized the government’s commitment to leading with integrity and ensuring that no survivor is silenced or denied justice.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of civil society organizations, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nneji
described GBV as a moral and spiritual violation that undermines human dignity, peace, and respect.
Nneji emphasized that the goal is not to assign blame but to empower individuals with wisdom and preventive practices that promote harmony.
She encouraged families to “embrace communication, compassion, and self-control,” noting that homes grounded in “mutual love and understanding are the foundation of a violence-free society.”
Executive Director of the Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities (ESERC),
Rev’d Ikechukwu Nwaogu expressed confidence that the task force will achieve sustainable results through community engagement, a strengthened multi-sectoral response system, and economic empowerment programs for survivors.
He explained that with support from the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society (FEF-OSC), ESERC is implementing a survivor-centered, community-driven model that previously yielded remarkable success in Ebonyi State under the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative.
He expressed confidence that sustainable results will be achieved in Enugu through community engagement, a strengthened multi-sectoral response system, and economic empowerment programmes for survivors.
The newly appointed Coordinator of the Enugu State GBV Taskforce, Mrs. Genevieve Okwuowulu In her inaugural speech, described the task force as “a movement aimed at changing mind-sets, breaking cycles of silence, and ensuring that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law is fully implemented across all communities.”
She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that every survivor is heard and every community becomes a safe space.
The task force will work to prevent GBV by promoting awareness and education as well as provide support and protection to survivors, ensuring that they receive justice and compensation.
The task force will work to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, ensuring that they face the full weight of the law.
The launch of the Enugu State GBV Taskforce marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to combat GBV and promote a culture of respect and dignity for all.
