By Stephen N. Tokpah
The Gender, Children Social Protection Minister, Gbeme Horace-Kollie, has admonished Bongese to remain focused and put aside politics, if the county must be developed.
The Liberian Minister of Gender said disunity has stagnated the development of the Liberia central county over the years.
“For Bong County to grow and develop, reisdents of the county have to unite and hold together,” Minister Kollie noted.
Minister Kollie further admonished the fourth female Superintendent of Bong County, Hawa Norris, to initiate a series of dialogue that will help to mend some of the major broken pieces and disunity in the county.
The Gender Minister who said she is a result-oriented and self-motivated leader, promised to work along with the Superintendent of the county to initiate gender programs that will bring about reconciliation.
The Gender Minister who hailed from Bellefainia Town in Zota District 4 said disunity has contributed to the under development of the county.
She emphasized that it is about time that leaders hold together for the overall development of the county and its residents.
The Minister was speaking in Gbarnga, Bong County recently, when she extended her nation-wide tour intended to get firsthand information on the Ministry’s local office in the county.
Minister Kollie and her team were engaged in comprehensive discussions with a diverse group of high-level stakeholders in the county.
She at the same time engaged representatives from women groups, youth organizations, the disabled community, and cross-border trade women, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to inclusivity and targeted support.
Minister Kollie strategically hosted a lunch meeting with Superintendent Norris which was aimed at reinforcing partnerships and collaboration between the Ministry and local government authorities.
During one of the engagements with the Bong County Women, Minister Kollie said the goal of her extensive tour is to access and critically analyze the ongoing situation within the local county structures.
According to Minister Horace-Kollie, by doing so, the Ministry hopes to propel its intervention mechanisms and support systems, ensuring that they are both effective and responsive to the unique challenges faced by each county.
She said the proactive approach by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection will exemplifies a dedicated effort to understand and address the needs at the grassroots level.
“We are engaging directly with local communities and their representatives, which aims is to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment that can drive positive change across the counties,” she added.
The Ministry of Gender team further held discussions with local stakeholders in the fight against GBV, including partners amongst others, highlighting the importance of heightening the fight against all forms of violence against women and children.
Superintendent Norris welcomed the Minister further assured her that her office will work with the Ministry’s local office.
The Bong County Women Association through Superintendent Norris honored and gowned Minister Kollie and her Deputy Minister for Research, Policy & Planning at the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection, Curtis V. Dorley, for their outstanding roles at the Ministry of Gender.
