- Combatting Harmful Traditional Practices
- Fighting Gender-Based Violence
- Mental Health Support for Survivors
- Financial Training for Women Through Partnerships
- Advocate for Women’s Leadership Positions
- Increased Reporting of Gender-Based Violence
Since assuming office as the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development in Enugu State, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, has been at the forefront of advocating for women’s rights and combating harmful traditional practices. Her tenure has been marked by significant strides in uplifting women and an unwavering commitment to protecting them from gender-based violence, ensuring a more dignified living for them. Through innovative policies, partnerships, and a hands-on approach, Mrs. Enih is reshaping the landscape for women and children in the state.
A trailblazer in her field, Mrs. Enih has led her ministry with a focus on both immediate relief and long-term empowerment. One of her most significant priorities has been the eradication of harmful traditional practices, particularly the mistreatment of widows during mourning rituals. In a recent interview, she discussed the progress her ministry has made in dismantling these archaic customs and ensuring that women can live without fear of exploitation.
“We are making real progress,” she affirmed, referencing the state’s firm stance on eliminating abuses like forced mourning rites. Her bold leadership in confronting such practices was exemplified when a widow from Igbo-Eze-North Local Government Area was forced to mourn her late husband for a second time by her kinsmen. The widow’s ordeal prompted swift intervention from Mrs. Enih’s ministry, with those responsible for the abuse arrested and charged in court. This case, which received widespread attention, sent a powerful message: Enugu State has zero tolerance for such injustices.
This is just one example of Mrs. Enih’s relentless fight against gender-based violence. In 2023, her ministry intervened in a particularly heartbreaking case where a pregnant woman, Mrs. Patience Nwachukwu, lost her five-month pregnancy due to a brutal assault by her husband. The commissioner’s swift action not only secured justice for the victim but also underscored her commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.
“We will not turn a blind eye to these abuses,” Mrs. Enih emphasized, highlighting her ministry’s role in facilitating immediate responses to reports of gender-based violence. The establishment of a Situation Room and a Rapid Response Team ensures that calls for help are met with urgency—regardless of the time of day or night. The result? A more responsive, compassionate system that prioritizes the safety and well-being of women and children.
One of the cornerstones of Mrs. Enih’s work is mental health. Recognizing that many survivors of abuse suffer from deep psychological trauma, she has pushed for the integration of mental health support into the state’s response. “It’s not just about legal justice,” she explained. “It’s about healing and providing survivors with the tools to rebuild their lives.” As part of this initiative, clinical psychologists are offering free counseling and therapy to help victims process their trauma and reintegrate into society.
Mrs. Enih’s efforts extend beyond just responding to violence. The commissioner has placed a heavy emphasis on women’s empowerment through partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the Office of Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah. Together, they’ve supported women in need by funding medical bills, providing grants for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and offering training programs that equip women with the skills to thrive in the workplace and beyond.
Moreover, the state has taken proactive steps to ensure that women’s voices are heard and respected in decision-making processes. As Mrs. Enih highlighted, “Women are strong and resilient. We must break barriers and shatter glass ceilings.” Through these efforts, Enugu is becoming a model of women’s participation in governance and leadership, ensuring that women have a seat at the table in shaping the state’s future.
The commissioner also underscored her ministry’s ongoing commitment to addressing gender-based violence at the national level. Having attended the 2nd Annual Conference of State Commissioners for Women Affairs in Abuja, Mrs. Enih has strengthened Enugu State’s efforts in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. The conference allowed her to share insights, gather knowledge, and build networks that will amplify Enugu’s fight against gender-based violence.
“We are walking the talk,” Mrs. Enih said of her ministry’s ongoing work. “It’s not enough to develop policies. We must implement them and hold people accountable.” Since she assumed office, there has been a notable increase in the reporting of gender-based violence incidents in Enugu, a clear indication that the public is responding positively to the systems in place to combat these abuses.
In December 2024, Mrs. Enih’s ministry took another bold step by inaugurating a 55-member monitoring team in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area. This team, composed of women from each of the 11 wards, plays a crucial role in identifying and reporting cases of gender-based violence. It is a prime example of the community-driven approach that Enugu State is championing in the fight against gender inequality.
Mrs. Enih’s work represents a new chapter in the fight for women’s rights in Enugu State. By addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, empowering survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable, she is laying the groundwork for a future where women and children can live without fear. The policy achievements she has driven so far are not just statistics—they are the real lives being changed for the better.
As Mrs. Enih continues her journey, her determination remains unwavering: “It’s time to hold people accountable. We want a safer, fairer society for all women and children.” With the momentum she has built, it seems that Enugu is on the path to becoming a shining example of what can be achieved when a government and its people stand firm in the fight against gender-based violence.
