The Enugu State government has reinforced its commitment to eliminating all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by adopting a zero-tolerance approach. To advance this objective, the state government has established a high-level steering committee at the Government House in Enugu.
This committee, led by Mrs. Ngozi Enih, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, comprises representatives from various key sectors, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Ministries of Agriculture, Local Government, Human Development, Trade and Investment, Justice, Health, Education, and Civil Society organizations.
Officially titled the Steering Committee for Strengthening Institutional and Community Responses to End Gender-Based Violence and Domesticating the Enugu State Gender Policy, this panel will implement the Oputa Panel approach to address GBV across the state. During the committee’s inauguration, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, emphasized the administration’s determination to not only prosecute offenders but also introduce preventive measures such as activities, infrastructure, and systems to combat gender-based violence.
Governor Mbah highlighted that the government has carefully selected dedicated individuals for this task and stressed that their efforts would be continuously monitored through quarterly reviews. This oversight will ensure the committee’s progress is effectively tracked, with a focus on both the cost involved and the value delivered.
He also clarified that the initiative aims to protect all individuals, regardless of gender, because GBV can affect anyone. “Our objective is to hold accountable those involved in gender-based violence and deter such behavior, safeguarding women, children, and even men who may be victims,” he noted. Governor Mbah further encouraged men to report any incidents of violence they experience, stressing that the state’s gender policy will apply to everyone, not just women.
Mrs. Enih explained that the Oputa Panel approach was chosen to consider the unique circumstances of each community, ensuring the gender policy is tailored to the needs of Enugu residents. The committee will visit all 17 Local Government Areas to gather firsthand information, which will help shape a policy that truly reflects local realities.
According to her, the committee members will also function as evaluators, ensuring that the feedback gathered is transformed into a policy suited to Enugu State’s context. She assured that the policy would not be a mere document but an actionable guideline that residents can rely on for protection against gender-based violence.
Sonia Orjiako