Ending GBV Requires Collective Action, Enugu Commissioner Tells WINET, CSOs

The Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, has stressed that ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) requires sustained collective action by government, civil society organisations, development partners and communities.
Enih stated this when the Women Information Network (WINET) and its Women Rights Organisation partners paid her an advocacy visit in Enugu as part of the implementation of the “Strengthening Women Rights Organizations for Gender-Based Violence Prevention” project.
The commissioner said no single institution could successfully tackle the challenge of Gender-Based Violence alone, underscoring the need for stronger partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders.
She noted that despite ongoing interventions and awareness campaigns, GBV remains a persistent challenge, largely fuelled by entrenched cultural beliefs and societal norms.
According to her, changing mindsets and promoting non-violent behaviour are critical to addressing the menace.
Enih observed, however, that sustained advocacy and awareness efforts by government agencies and civil society organisations are beginning to yield positive results, as more women and survivors are increasingly speaking out and seeking support.
She engaged the advocacy team in discussions on how society can effectively re-orientate individuals towards healthy relationships and peaceful conflict resolution.
The commissioner emphasised the need for a better understanding of human behaviour, personality differences and relationship dynamics, noting that these factors often influence how people interact and respond to conflicts.
She also highlighted the funding challenges confronting the ministry in implementing programmes aimed at addressing Gender-Based Violence, while reiterating government’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to protect women, girls and vulnerable groups.
Enih commended WINET and other civil society organisations for their dedication and sacrifices in advancing the fight against Gender-Based Violence despite operating under limited resources.
Earlier, the Programme Manager of WINET, Mrs. Ijeoma Obinna-Onwuka, said the project, supported by the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement (AIPLA), seeks to strengthen collective efforts towards preventing and responding to Gender-Based Violence.
Obinna-Onwuka thanked the commissioner for the warm reception and insightful engagement, describing the interaction as encouraging and beneficial to the success of the project.
She reaffirmed WINET’s commitment to partnering with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, community leaders and citizens to build a society free from violence and discrimination.
According to her, sustained collaboration among stakeholders is essential to creating safer communities where women, girls and vulnerable persons can live with dignity, security and equal opportunities.
She added that WINET would continue to champion initiatives that promote the rights, safety and wellbeing of women and vulnerable groups across Enugu State.