The Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities (ESERC) paid an advocacy visit to the Traditional Ruler of Neke Uno Community on July 14, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen community leadership and mobilize grassroots action against gender-based violence (GBV) in Enugu State.
The advocacy visit was conducted under ESERC’s flagship project, “Breaking the Cycle of Gender-Based Violence: Survivor-Centered Services and Community Engagement in Enugu State,” with support from the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC 2025).
The visit provided an opportunity for ESERC to engage the traditional institution on the critical role community leaders play in preventing gender-based violence, protecting the rights of women and girls, and promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. Discussions focused on the need to strengthen traditional leadership in addressing harmful social norms, encouraging the reporting of GBV cases, supporting survivors, and fostering zero tolerance for all forms of violence.
During the engagement, ESERC highlighted the importance of community ownership in achieving sustainable change. The organization emphasized that traditional rulers, as respected custodians of culture and community values, are uniquely positioned to influence positive behavioural change, promote gender equality, and encourage peaceful conflict resolution within their communities.
The Traditional Ruler welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to working with ESERC and other stakeholders to promote awareness, strengthen community-based protection mechanisms, and create an environment where women, girls, and other vulnerable persons can live free from violence and discrimination.
The advocacy visit also explored opportunities for continued collaboration between ESERC, traditional institutions, community leaders, government agencies, and civil society organizations in implementing sustainable strategies for GBV prevention and response.
ESERC expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation of the traditional institution, noting that meaningful progress in addressing gender-based violence requires the active participation of community leaders and grassroots structures. Through continuous engagement and partnership, the organization remains committed to building resilient communities where respect, dignity, equality, and justice are upheld for all.
With the support of the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC), ESERC will continue to engage traditional institutions, local leaders, and community stakeholders as key partners in breaking the cycle of gender-based violence and strengthening survivor-centred support systems across Enugu State.
