By Moses J. Dawoe Southeast Correspondent
The newly inducted Gender Coordinator of Maryland County, Marah Suku, has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of dismissed court cases, particularly those involving rape and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Speaking at her induction ceremony in Harper City on February 21, 2025, Madam Suku highlighted that these setbacks are undermining justice for survivors and affecting the effectiveness of her office.
She also pointed to a lack of cooperation from health workers in reporting rape cases, which she said is hindering efforts to address SGBV in the county.
In a bid to strengthen gender-related initiatives, Madam Suku pledged to decentralize her office’s efforts across Maryland County’s four districts; Harper, Barrobo, Karluway, and Pleebo Sodoken.
However, she emphasized that her office is grappling with logistical challenges, including a shortage of vehicles and essential supplies. She called on Maryland County Superintendent Henry Cole and other NGOs to intervene and provide the necessary support to enhance operations.
As part of her six-month strategic plan, Madam Suku vowed to work closely with local leaders to unify women’s groups that have been affected by internal conflicts.
She also appealed to partner organizations for capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering women and children across the county.
To increase accountability and encourage the reporting of abuse cases, Madam Suku announced plans to install suggestion boxes in Pleebo and Harper, the county’s most populated cities.
These boxes, she explained, would serve as a discreet mechanism for individuals to report SGBV incidents, child rights violations, and other forms of abuse for swift intervention.
She further revealed plans to establish a Community Welfare Committee (CWC), which would play a critical role in enforcing measures against SGBV and human rights abuses.
A focal person will be appointed to provide direct support to survivors, ensuring their safety and rehabilitation.
Madam Suku also emphasized the importance of engaging community radio stations in advocacy campaigns to raise awareness and prevent the recurrence of SGBV cases.
She stressed that public education on gender-based violence and women’s rights would be a key priority under her leadership.
The induction ceremony brought together civil society actors, women’s organizations, and county officials, including Maryland County Superintendent Henry Cole.
During the event, Harper City Mayor, Abraham Jackson, urged Madam Suku to take all rape cases seriously, cautioning against focusing solely on male perpetrators.
“Sexual harassment is not exclusive to men. We must ensure that all cases, regardless of the gender of the accused, are treated with the same level of urgency,” he emphasized.
Mayor Jackson also raised concerns over the increasing involvement of schoolchildren in gambling, warning that the trend was leading to theft and other negative behaviors among the youth.
The Mayor called for stronger measures against drug abuse and urged the Gender Coordinator to collaborate with the county leadership in tackling the growing narcotics problem in Maryland County.
Moreover, with SGBV cases on the rise and logistical challenges hampering interventions, Madam Suku’s leadership faces a tough road ahead. However, she mentioned that with a commitment to decentralization, increased community engagement, and collaboration with key stakeholders, she remains hopeful that a meaningful change can be achieved.
