The Youth Education and Humanity of Liberia (YEAH) has held a one-day penal discussion on the advocacy of the 16 Days of Activism in Monrovia.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Program Coordinator of the Medica Liberia, Mbalu Winnie Jusu, underscored the need to protect and prevent any form of violence against women and girls in Liberia.
Jusu stated that civil society organizations should use their platforms to advocate for gender equality to prevent violence against women and men in the society.
She noted that the Global theme, “Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls”, also reflected the national theme, “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls”, and will go a long way in protecting the rights of girls and women in the country.
Also speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of the Women Non-Governmental Organizations Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), Esther Davis Yango, was the Gender Focus Person of WONGOSOL, Berttee Forkpabio, who said the protection of girls against rape is critical for development of their womanhood.
Forkpabio emphasized that quality education will enhance the socio and economic development of girls in the nation.
She warned against domestic violence against them, which has undermined their potential over the years in the society.
Meanwhile, Acting Head of the Secretariat of the Joint Education Committee at the Legislature, Franklin B. Massaquoi, promised that more of the reform policies introduced at the National Legislature will be implemented in the coming years.
Massaquoi said there are several reform policies which need implementation to enhance the education sector of Liberia.
In a related development, speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL), Loretta A. Pope-Kai, Hawa Danor Varney said the fight against gender-based violence should be prioritized by every Liberian.
Varney stated that violence against girls and women should not be taken for granted in the Liberian society.
She pointed out that the 16 Days of Activism should be intensified to create awareness across the country.
Earlier, the Program Manager of the Big Sisters Organization, Jutomue Doetein, said violence against women and girls is alarming in every sector of the society.
Manager Doetein maintained that the rights of girls in school have been violated for grades, which should be curtailed.
He said the advocacy against gender-based violence should be prioritized at all every level.
The penal discussion of the 16 Days of Activism was organized by the Youth Education and Humanity of Liberia in collaboration with Medica-Liberia under the National theme, “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls”, while the global theme, “Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls”, which brought together students and other civil society organizations.