What is significant about Enkidu's encounter with the harlot?

Enkidu's encounter with the harlot is significant because it is the beginning of Enkidu's civilizing at the hands of a woman.
In the story, a trapper complains to his father about Enkidu. He maintains that the fearsome Enkidu roams the hills like the wild beasts he keeps company with. Above all, the trapper is angry that Enkidu frees the prey from his traps, and he is powerless to stop him. In response, the trapper's father advises his son to visit Gilgamesh and to ask the latter for a harlot to tempt Enkidu. The trapper's father believes that a harlot's ministrations will weaken Enkidu and cause him to be rejected by the wild beasts.
So, this is what the trapper does. He goes to Gilgamesh and returns with a harlot. The harlot tempts Enkidu with her beautiful body and then beds him for six days and seven nights. At the end of this period, the wild beasts flee when Enkidu approaches them. Additionally, Enkidu finds that his wild inclinations are receding. He no longer wishes to roam with the animals. As for the harlot, she tells Enkidu that he is destined to leave his animal nature behind and to reacquaint himself with his humanity. She also insists that Enkidu's destiny is to seek out Gilgamesh, his equal in strength and power.
So, Enkidu's encounter with the harlot is significant because it is the beginning of his civilizing at the hands of a woman.