‎The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities (ESERC), has launched a Gender‑Based Violence (GBV) Taskforce and signed a memorandum of understanding with key stakeholders to strengthen the state’s response to violence against women and children.
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‎The taskforce, inaugurated by Governor Peter Mbah is part of a French‑funded project implemented by ESERC through the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society (FEF‑OSC). The initiative aims to provide survivor‑centered services, improve community engagement, institutionalise a multi‑sectoral GBV response system and offer economic empowerment to survivors.
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‎Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Mbah said the launch marks a decisive step toward ending impunity for perpetrators of GBV in Enugu. “We are committing the full weight of government to protect the vulnerable and ensure that justice is served,” he said.
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‎Rev’d Ikechukwu Nwaogu, Executive Director of ESERC, highlighted the urgency of the effort. “The era of impunity for GBV offenders is over. Our taskforce will act swiftly on every report, and we have circulated hotlines across the state so that anyone, neighbour, church member, or stranger, can safely report cases,” he added.
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‎”ESERC has previously implemented a similar model in Ebonyi State, where it contributed to a significant reduction in GBV cases. The organisation is now replicating that success in Enugu”
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‎The taskforce brings together ministries, departments and agencies including the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, the ministry of Health, the Ministry of Justice, security agencies, Traditional council and civil‑society groups. It is built on three pillars: community engagement, institutionalisation of a multi‑sectoral response and economic empowerment for survivors. Community Advocacy Groups will be trained and deployed to sensitise residents, while seed grants will be provided to help survivors rebuild their lives.
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‎Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, praised the collaboration, noting that the state has already made strides in health, education and social protection but must do more to protect its most vulnerable citizens..
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‎The commissioner for health Enugu state, Professor George Ugwu said that the state was “ready and prepared to work with the task force,” emphasizing that the signed memorandum of understanding shows Enugu’s commitment to prevent GBV and to protect survivors . He added that Governor Peter Mbah has upgraded health centres across the state, a move that should make it easier for survivors to access medical care and legal support .
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‎The memorandum of understanding, signed by government officials, ESERC representatives and other stakeholders, outlines shared responsibilities for funding, monitoring and evaluation, and for ensuring that survivors have access to shelters, psychosocial support, legal aid and medical care.
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‎The launch event was attended by government officials, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, civil‑society organisations, security agencies and the media, underscoring a broad coalition committed to ending gender‑based violence in Enugu State