Enugu State Launches Gender-Based Violence Taskforce, Marks Major Breakthrough in Protecting Survivors

The Enugu State Government has officially launched the Enugu State Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Taskforce, an event stakeholders hailed as a historic milestone in the state’s fight against gender-based violence.

Held at the International Conference Centre, the launch drew government officials, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, and development partners committed to a coordinated, survivor-centred response to GBV.

Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, described the launch as:

“A bold declaration that gender-based violence has no home in Enugu State.”

She stressed that the task force is designed to prevent violence, protect survivors, and enforce accountability, reaffirming her commitment to ensuring that no survivor is silenced or denied justice:

“The fight against GBV requires the involvement of every sector of society.”

Enih praised Governor Peter Mbah for the political will and inclusive governance that made the initiative possible.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of civil society groups, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nneji described GBV as:

“A moral and spiritual violation that undermines God’s intention for dignity, peace, and respect in homes and communities.”

She stressed the need for communication, compassion, and self-control within families, adding that homes rooted in mutual understanding form the foundation of a violence-free society.

Executive Director of the Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities (ESERC), Rev’d Ikechukwu Nwaogu, said the launch marks a turning point in how GBV cases will be reported, prevented, and prosecuted.

He highlighted ESERC’s partnership with the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society (FEF-OSC) and noted the success of a similar survivor-focused model in Ebonyi State under the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative:

“Sustainable results will be achieved in Enugu through community engagement, a strengthened multi-sectoral response system, and economic empowerment programmes for survivors.”

In her inaugural address, the newly appointed Coordinator of the Enugu State GBV Taskforce, Mrs. Genevieve Okwuowulu, described the task force as:

“A movement aimed at changing mind-sets, breaking cycles of silence, and ensuring that the VAPP Law is fully implemented across all communities.”

She affirmed her commitment to ensuring that every survivor is heard and every community becomes a safe space.