The Enugu State government has taken a decisive step against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with the inauguration of a specialized steering committee at the Government House Enugu, declaring zero tolerance for the social problem.

The committee, chaired by Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, comprises representatives from various ministries including Agriculture, Local Government, Human Development, Trade, Justice, Health, and Education, as well as members from the Nigeria Police Force and Civil Society organizations.

Officially titled the "Steering Committee for Strengthening Institutional and Community Responses to End Gender-Based Violence/Domestication of Enugu State Gender Policy using the Oputa Panel approach," the body was inaugurated by Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.

During the inauguration, the governor emphasized the administration's commitment not only to punishing perpetrators but also implementing proactive measures to prevent gender-based violence.

"We take gender-based violence seriously. We have zero tolerance for it, and in Enugu State, we are ready to go the extra mile to deal with it," said Mbah through his representative.

The governor highlighted that the initiative would be closely monitored with quarterly engagements to assess the committee's achievements against specific terms of reference.

"We will tighten those terms of reference indicators, so that we monitor what we are doing both in terms of cost input and the value added," he stated.

Importantly, Governor Mbah clarified that the initiative aims to protect all citizens regardless of gender, noting that GBV affects both women and men.

"The whole idea is to hold people responsible that are involved in matters relating to gender violence and deter people that by culture or by association get involved in that, protect women, protect our children, and in the case of violence against men, protect our men," he explained.

Committee chairperson Mrs. Enih explained that the Oputa Panel approach was chosen to ensure comprehensive coverage of local peculiarities when domesticating the policy on GBV.

"We are going to tour the 17 Local Government Areas to get firsthand information about what our people are going through because policy is meant for the people, and a policy should suit the people," she said.

Enih emphasized that the committee members would also serve as judges, gathering information from communities to tailor policies that address the specific needs of Enugu State residents.

"When the people are aware that there is such a policy, they will seek for the enforcement of that policy. So, this is not going to be one of those policies that will just lie on the shelf," she assured.

The establishment of this committee represents a significant step in Enugu State's efforts to combat gender-based violence through institutional frameworks and community engagement.