The Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities (ESERC) continued its community outreach campaign with a Community Forum and Sensitization Programme held in Ugwuomu Community on July 15, 2025, under its project “Breaking the Cycle of Gender-Based Violence: Survivor-Centered Services and Community Engagement in Enugu State.”
The initiative is supported by the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC 2025) and forms part of ESERC’s broader efforts to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) through grassroots engagement, community ownership, and survivor-centred interventions.
The forum brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth groups, religious leaders, community-based organizations, and residents to discuss the prevalence of gender-based violence and the collective responsibility of communities in preventing it.
Facilitators educated participants on the different forms of gender-based violence, their impact on individuals, families, and communities, as well as the legal and social mechanisms available for prevention, reporting, and survivor support. Participants also received information on referral pathways and the importance of creating safe spaces where survivors can seek help without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Interactive discussions encouraged community members to challenge harmful cultural practices and gender stereotypes that contribute to violence. The sensitization emphasized respect for human rights, gender equality, positive social norms, and the role every individual can play in promoting peaceful and violence-free communities.
A key highlight of the forum was the active participation of community stakeholders, who expressed their commitment to working with ESERC to strengthen local prevention efforts, encourage timely reporting of GBV cases, and support initiatives that protect the rights and dignity of women, girls, and other vulnerable persons.
ESERC reaffirmed that sustainable change begins at the community level. By equipping local leaders and residents with knowledge and practical tools, the organization is helping to build resilient communities capable of preventing violence and responding effectively when it occurs.
With the continued support of the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC), ESERC remains committed to expanding community engagement across Enugu State, strengthening survivor-centred services, and fostering partnerships that promote safety, equality, and justice for all.
Together, we can break the cycle of gender-based violence and build communities where every woman and girl can live in dignity, security, and hope.
