By Precious D. Freeman
Sister Aid Liberia (SALI), in collaboration with UN Women and funded by Irish Aid, has successfully concluded a series of transformative capacity-building workshops aimed at empowering male leaders to champion gender equity.
Held from September 18-20, 2024, these workshops engaged 147 male decision-makers from key counties, focusing on Gender Transformative Leadership and Positive Masculinity.
The initiative specifically targeted county superintendents, development officers, city mayors, district commissioners, and traditional leaders.
Its goal was to equip these influential figures with the tools necessary to challenge entrenched gender power structures and discriminatory practices within their communities.
Led by a team of gender experts, the workshops covered essential topics such as the societal construction of masculinity, its implications for women’s representation in leadership roles, and the identification of harmful gender norms.
Facilitators included Mr. Samuel D. Darpolor of the Center for Research and Capacity Building, Madam Patricia Z. Gaye from SALI, and Ora Mato Barclay from Development Initiative, each leading sessions in their respective counties.
In her address to participants in Voinjama, Lofa County, Amelia S. Siafa, emphasized the critical importance of the training in fostering transformational leadership.
“I charge you to take full advantage of this training. Our goal is to train you to become transformational leaders and promoters of the HeForShe movement,” she stated, highlighting the need for inclusive community building.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the initiative and a commitment to promoting positive masculinity.
A participant from Lofa County remarked, “This workshop has opened our eyes to the critical role we play in reinforcing gender equality.” Leaders from Grand Bassa echoed this sentiment, recognizing the training’s potential to combat negative masculinities and foster a more equitable environment for women and girls.
The participants called on SALI and its partners to expand the initiative, citing its potential for long-term social change.
“This is just the beginning,” one official stated, adding, “We hope to see this program continue with more support so that these teachings can reach every corner of Liberia.”
The sessions addressed a wide range of topics, including the distinction between gender and sex, the benefits of promoting positive masculinity, and the nuances of gender equality versus gender equity.
By challenging harmful norms and advocating for women’s leadership, the initiative aims to empower male leaders to support gender equity at all levels.
Sister Aid Liberia’s successful implementation of these workshops represents a significant step forward in advancing gender equity in Liberia.
With ongoing backing from UN Women and Irish Aid, SALI is poised to extend this initiative to additional counties, ensuring sustained progress in the fight for equal representation and the dismantling of harmful gender norms.
The organization is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, crucial for achieving lasting social change across the nation.
