The Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities (ESERC) successfully held a Community Forum and Sensitization Programme in Amankpaka Community, Enugu East Local Government Area, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) in Enugu State.
The event forms part of the implementation of 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 community forum brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth groups, religious leaders, government representatives, civil society organizations, and residents to engage in open dialogue on the causes, consequences, and prevention of gender-based violence. The forum served as a platform to raise awareness, encourage community ownership of GBV prevention efforts, and strengthen local support systems for survivors.
During the sensitization sessions, participants were educated on the different forms of gender-based violence, the rights of survivors, available reporting and referral mechanisms, and the collective responsibility of community members in preventing violence and promoting gender equality. Discussions also focused on challenging harmful social norms, encouraging early reporting of incidents, and fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and protection for women and girls.
ESERC emphasized that sustainable solutions to gender-based violence begin within communities. By empowering local stakeholders with knowledge and encouraging active participation, the organization aims to build resilient communities where survivors are supported, perpetrators are held accountable, and violence is no longer tolerated.
The forum also highlighted the importance of collaboration among government institutions, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and community members in creating effective prevention and response systems. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote peaceful coexistence, safeguard the rights of women and girls, and strengthen community-based mechanisms for addressing GBV.
Through the support of the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC), ESERC continues to expand community engagement initiatives across Enugu State, ensuring that information, services, and support reach those who need them most.
As the project progresses, ESERC remains committed to partnering with communities to break the cycle of gender-based violence through awareness, advocacy, survivor-centred services, and collective action. Together, we can build safer, more inclusive communities where every woman and girl can live free from violence and discrimination.
