Enugu State Government Inaugurates Steering Committee to Eradicate Gender-Based Violence

Strategic Insights -

The Enugu State government has taken a decisive step in addressing the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by inaugurating a steering committee to eliminate the social malaise in the state. In a ceremony held at the Government House Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah restated his administration's commitment to tackling GBV, declaring zero tolerance for the issue. The steering committee, chaired by Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, brings together members from various government ministries, the Nigeria Police Force, and civil society organizations.

The committee's objective is to strengthen institutional and community responses to end GBV, using the Oputa Panel approach. This approach involves gathering firsthand information from the 17 Local Government Areas to tailor the policy to suit the needs of the people. Governor Mbah emphasized the importance of monitoring and tracking the committee's progress, with quarterly engagements to assess the successes achieved.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Enugu State government has declared zero tolerance for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
  • The steering committee is chaired by Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, and has members from various government ministries, the Nigeria Police Force, and civil society organizations.
  • The committee will use the Oputa Panel approach to gather information from the 17 Local Government Areas and tailor the policy to suit the needs of the people.
  • Governor Mbah emphasized the importance of monitoring and tracking the committee's progress, with quarterly engagements to assess the successes achieved.
  • The committee aims to protect everyone, men and women alike, as GBV is not restricted to any gender.
  • The Enugu State government is committed to putting proactive measures in place to prevent GBV, rather than just bringing perpetrators to book.
  • The committee members will tour the 17 Local Government Areas to gather information on GBV and take the policy to the people.

Statistics:

  • 17 Local Government Areas in Enugu State will be toured by the committee to gather information on GBV.
  • The committee aims to have quarterly engagements to assess the successes achieved in addressing GBV.
  • The Enugu State government has selected people who are committed to eradicating GBV, with a focus on protecting everyone, men and women alike.

Sources:

  • "Inauguration of Steering Committee for Strengthening Institutional and Community Responses to End Gender-Based Violence/Domestication of Enugu State Gender Policy using the Oputa Panel approach"
  • Statement by Governor Peter Mbah during the inauguration of the steering committee
  • Remarks by Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, during the inauguration of the steering committee