Enugu State Govt Seeks stronger partnerships to tackle GBV

Enugu State Government has called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and communities to effectively tackle the growing challenge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, made the call during an advocacy visit by the Women Information Network (WINET) and its Women Rights Organisation partners in Enugu.

The visit formed part of activities under the “Strengthening Women Rights Organizations for Gender-Based Violence Prevention” project being implemented by WINET.

Enih said collective action remained critical to addressing the persistent incidence of Gender-Based Violence, noting that no single institution could successfully combat the menace alone.

She stressed that despite ongoing interventions and awareness campaigns, cultural beliefs and societal norms continue to fuel various forms of violence against women and vulnerable persons.

According to the commissioner, partnerships among stakeholders would help deepen awareness, strengthen response mechanisms and encourage more survivors to seek support.

She expressed optimism that sustained advocacy efforts by government and civil society groups are gradually breaking the culture of silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence.

“More women and survivors are now speaking out and seeking support as a result of increased awareness and advocacy,” she said.

Enih further highlighted the financial constraints facing the ministry in implementing programmes aimed at addressing GBV, underscoring the need for sustained support from partners and stakeholders.

She also engaged members of the advocacy team in discussions on strategies for promoting non-violent behaviour and healthy relationships in society.

The commissioner noted that understanding human behaviour, personality differences and relationship dynamics is essential to preventing violence and fostering peaceful coexistence.

She commended WINET and other civil society organisations for their commitment and sacrifices in advancing the fight against Gender-Based Violence despite operating under limited resources.

Earlier, Programme Manager of WINET, Mrs. Ijeoma Obinna-Onwuka, said the project is supported by the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement (AIPLA) and aims to strengthen collective efforts towards preventing and responding to Gender-Based Violence.

Obinna-Onwuka said WINET remains committed to working collaboratively with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, community leaders and citizens to build a society free from violence and discrimination.

She appreciated the commissioner for the warm reception and fruitful engagement, describing the interaction as encouraging and vital to the success of ongoing efforts to combat GBV.

According to her, stronger partnerships among stakeholders will help create safer communities where women, girls and vulnerable persons can live with dignity, security and equal opportunities.

She reaffirmed WINET’s resolve to continue championing initiatives that promote the rights and wellbeing of women and other vulnerable groups across Enugu State.