Enugu State Government has commended the Women Information Network (WINET) and other civil society organisations (CSOs) for their sustained efforts in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
The State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, gave the commendation when the WINET team and its Women Rights Organisation partners paid her an advocacy visit in Enugu.
This visit was part of the implementation of the “Strengthening Women Rights Organizations for Gender-Based Violence Prevention” project.
The commissioner described the commitment and sacrifices of WINET and other CSOs in addressing GBV as commendable, noting that many organisations continue to champion the cause despite challenges related to funding, limited resources and time constraints.
She stressed the need for stronger partnerships and collective action among government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and communities to effectively tackle GBV.
According to Enih, cultural beliefs and societal norms remain major factors driving the prevalence of GBV, adding that sustained advocacy and awareness campaigns are gradually encouraging more women and survivors to speak out and seek help.
The commissioner engaged the advocacy team in a robust discussion on the persistent challenge of GBV despite ongoing interventions and sensitisation efforts across the state.
She raised concerns about how society could effectively re-orientate individuals towards non-violent behaviour and healthy relationships.
Enih stressed the need for a deeper understanding of human behaviour, personality differences and relationship dynamics.
“Understanding how people interact and respond to conflicts is essential in addressing violence and building healthier relationships within families and communities,” she said.
The commissioner also highlighted the funding challenges confronting the ministry in its efforts to address GBV, while reiterating government’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to protect women, girls and other vulnerable groups.
Earlier, the Programme Manager of WINET and leader of the delegation, Mrs. Ijeoma Obinna-Onwuka, said the project is supported by the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement (AIPLA).
According to her, it is is aimed at strengthening collective efforts towards preventing and responding to Gender-Based Violence.
Obinna-Onwuka appreciated the commissioner for the warm reception and insightful engagement, noting that the discussions would further strengthen ongoing efforts to address GBV in the state.
She reaffirmed WINET’s commitment to collaborating with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, community leaders and citizens in promoting a society free from violence and discrimination.
The team lead described sustained collaboration among stakeholders as critical to creating safer communities where women, girls and vulnerable persons can live with dignity, security and equal opportunities.
She assured that WINET would continue to champion initiatives that promote the rights and wellbeing of women and vulnerable groups across communities in Enugu State.
