16 Days Of Activism Officially Launch In Liberia

Liberia, on Thursday, November 25, 2021 joined the rest of the world in observance of the official launch of the 16--Days of Activism against Gender Based violence with resounding calls that the citizenry once again muster the tenacity to act now, act together and immediately put an end to the threat of gender violence.

The 16-Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that is commemorated annually to reinforce, elevate and collaborate efforts intended to END ALL FORMS of VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS. The campaign runs every year from 25th November marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10th December, International Human Rights Day.

Being observed under a Global Theme: “End Violence Against Women Now!”

Liberia is commemorating the 16-Days under a National Theme: “Enough is Enough! Let’s Act Now To End Violence Against Women, Girls, Children and Other Marginalized Groups”.

Delivering the keynote address at the official launch of the 16-Days of Activism held in Kakata, Margibi County, Hon. Mawine G. Diggs, Minister of Commerce & Industry, said "it is now time, following 200 years of existence to go beyond workshops and conferences, PowerPoint presentations and email exchanges, speeches and rallies to take firm and concrete actions to end Sexual and Gender-Based violence against women, girls and marginalized groups."

"As a nation who has historically lead on many fronts, we cannot waiver or lag behind in these fights and efforts as we have always stood as an example for many to follow. As we celebrate our upcoming Bicentennial, let us do so keeping in mind that the future of women, girls and marginalized groups of Liberia rest on the decisions we make, the action we take and the goals we set," the Commerce Boss added.

Additionally, Madam Diggs called on the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit of the Ministry of Justice to remain vocal in the fight against SGBV in Liberia and further encourage a closer collaboration

amongst the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit of the Ministry of Justice, the Women and Children Protection Unit of the Liberia National Police and other State Security institutions, and the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection as it is critical as we collectively work to protect, support, advocate and assist all citizens within the borders of our country.

"I want to encourage all the stakeholders in this sector, to continue the good work and do more with education, awareness and outreach in our rural and leeward counties where Sexual and Gender-Based violence remains prevalent," she indicated.

Earlier, in remarks, Acting Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Hassan Kanneh called the attention of the citizenry to join the campaign and engage every sector ensuring that the

inhumane act of violence must end now.

"I urge us all today to not shelter those who perpetrate violence against children and women. We must work tohgether to ensure that women and girls are given equal opportunities as well as boys to go to school and realize their full potential," the Gender Acting Boss indicated.

Minister Kanneh further warned that there should be no impunity, condoning, tolerating, resignation and compromises or excuses in the fight against violence against women and Children.

"Each of you have found your own way to contribute through advocacy, creating of opportunities for women and girls' education, using different strategies to help identify discrimination, and by setting an example for other young women whose dreams also deserve to come true," He added.

Acting Minister Kanneh also called for a consolidated effort to tackle the problem, highlighting that Gender based violence is still a major threat to the security of women, girls and boys across Liberia. "It is not inevitable, it can and must be prevented," he concluded.

In speech, UN Resident Coordinator, Niels Scott applauded the Government and the people of Liberia, civil society organizations, the media, private sector and other key stakeholders for amplifying their voices and taking appropriate actions in ensuring the protection of women and girls, boys and men from the various forms of violence that continue to creep in our society unabated. Mr. Scott acknowledged that

while several gains have been made in ending violence against women

and girls in Liberia, a lot more still needs to be done.

"There is a need to strengthen primary prevention efforts that are transformative in nature and redefine power relations that have often put women and girls in a vulnerable situation at family, community, and institutional levels. Response systems need to be strengthened coupled with timely redress of cases to reduce future crimes of a similar nature," the UN Resident Coordinator further stated.

In furtherance, Mr. Scott recommitted the UN efforts to support the Government of Liberia in the fight against Gender Based Violence in schools especially rape, domestic violence, child marriages and FGM, stressing that violence against women and girls, boys and men any and everywhere is a human rights issue and needs serious interventions from us as the Government and the International Community.

In a joint statement from the embassies of France, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, ECOWAS Commission and the delegation of the European Union, Swedish Ambassador Urban Sjostrom said: "we must act now, we must act together and we must end

gender based violence."

Amb. Sjostrom called for an improves data collection to enhance the collective understanding of the demographics of the problem urging that Liberia invest in evidence-based violence prevention programs such as school-based interventions with Community outreach, combining economic Empowerment and gender training, and community mobilization to change Social norms.

The program was attended by cross section of women and student groups, women representing line ministries and agencies and other local and International He4She partners. The launch stook place at the BWI campus in Kakata, Margibi County following a parade through the streets of Kakata.