By Bill W. Cooper
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), in collaboration with its partners, has officially launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign in Liberia.
The event was also held with a strong commitment to ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) across the country, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to eradicate harmful practices and promote gender equality in Liberia.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about various forms of violence against women and girls, including GBV, as it runs annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day.
The campaign was launched under the global theme: “Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls,” and national theme: “Empower women, secure our nation: invest locally to prevent violence against women and girls.”
The initiative, which was launched at the SKD gymnasium over the weekend and brought together government’s officials, international and local partners, also provides a platform for governments, CSOs, and individuals to come together and advocate for change.
Delivering her special statement at the start of the launch, Gender Minister, Williametta Saydee-Tar, disclosed that as it stands, the Ministry, under her leadership, has taken a proactive approach in addressing gender-related issues, including GBV and FGM.
She said, as part of their commitment, the Ministry has partnered with local and international organizations, including UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, to implement a comprehensive strategy to end FGM in Liberia.
She maintained, that the collaborative efforts have further demonstrated the Liberian government’s dedication to protecting the rights of women and girls, coupled with the promoting of gender equality.
FGM is a deep-rooted traditional practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, and it is also considered a violation of human rights.
It often leads to severe physical and psychological consequences for girls and women, and despite the banning of the practice in four counties, FGM remains prevalent due to cultural beliefs and social pressures.
Minister Saydee-Tarr, at the same time, revealed that, with the scars of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence far-reaching, they at times prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential; this year’s campaign highlights the need to strengthen collaboration with local and international partners and reflect on what can be done to end the malice.
The Minister concluded by announcing series of activities to be undertaken by the Ministry and partners during the observance of the entire 16 Days of Activism campaign in the country.
Earlier serving as the keynote speaker, Ministry of Justice Director for Sex Crimes Unit, Cllr. Isaac George, urged Liberians to buttress the government and partners’ efforts in the fight against GBV and other harmful practices in the country.
This, he added, that GBV fight will need a holistic approach from all sectors of the country, expressing optimism that Liberia is at the point other countries would make reference to in ending GBV and ensuring a violence-free society.
For her part, UN Women Country Representative, Comfort Lamptey, officially launching the 16 Days of Activism campaign in Liberia, thanked the government for its gains made so far in eradicating GBV, as well as ending the practice of FGM in some counties.
According to her, the move is a testament that Liberia is on the right trajectory in ensuring that all forms of discrimination against women and children are prohibited or abolished across the country.
She added that the UN Women will work collaboratively with the Liberian government to ensure the protection of women and girls’ rights in Liberia, preaching the doctrine of a violence-free state.
