Enugu Gender-Based Violence Taskforce launches to strengthen prevention, protection and justice for survivors across the state
The Enugu State Government on Monday inaugurated the Enugu State Gender-Based Violence Taskforce, a move Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, described as a powerful step toward eliminating gender-based violence across the state.
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Mrs Enih said the Enugu Gender-Based Violence Taskforce represents an action-driven system designed to prevent abuse, support survivors and enforce accountability.
She affirmed that she would lead the mechanism with integrity and ensure that no survivor is silenced or denied justice.
The inauguration, held at the International Conference Centre, drew senior government officials, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders and development partners committed to strengthening collective responses to gender-based violence.
Mrs Enih commended Governor Peter Mbah for what she called his unwavering political will and inclusive governance, noting that his support has created an enabling environment for the initiative to thrive.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of civil society groups, Dr Ifeyinwa Nneji described gender-based violence as a moral and spiritual violation that undermines dignity and peace in homes.
She emphasised that the aim is not to apportion blame but to equip families with knowledge and preventive practices that foster harmony.
Dr Nneji urged households to embrace communication, compassion and self-control, adding that homes founded on mutual love and understanding are essential to a violence-free society.
Executive Director of the Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities, Rev Ikechukwu Nwaogu, said the inauguration marks a milestone in transforming how abuse is reported, prevented and prosecuted in Enugu State.
He explained that with support from the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society, his organisation is applying a survivor-centred model that previously yielded impressive impact under the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative in Ebonyi State.
Rev Nwaogu expressed confidence that sustained community engagement, strengthened multi-sectoral response systems and economic empowerment schemes for survivors would deliver lasting results.
In her inaugural address, Coordinator of the task force, Mrs Genevieve Okwuowulu, said the body is not just an institution but a movement aimed at shifting mind-sets, breaking entrenched silence and ensuring full implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law across communities.
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She pledged to amplify the voices of survivors and work towards making every community a safe space.
