The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) has embarked on a significant step towards gender equity and inclusion with the commencement of a two-day training workshop for its Gender and Social Inclusion Unit. This initiative, which began on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, underscores LWSC’s commitment to integrating gender mainstreaming across all levels of the corporation.
T. Wilson Gaye, Deputy Managing Director for Administration at LWSC, inaugurated the workshop by highlighting the importance of gender mainstreaming within the corporation. In his opening remarks, Gaye called upon the participants to actively engage in the training sessions and leverage the knowledge gained to foster gender inclusivity within their respective departments.
“Our aim is to create a working environment where gender equity is not just a policy, but a practice embedded in our daily operation,” Gaye said. “The LWSC is dedicated to involving gender considerations at all organizational levels. This training workshop is a critical step in achieving that goal.”
Gaye also disclosed that the LWSC is currently in the process of remodeling its human resources (HR) manual to align with gender mainstreaming objectives. This remodeling effort is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the corporation’s policies and practices are inclusive and equitable.
“Our HR manual is being thoroughly reviewed and updated to reflect our commitment to gender mainstreaming. This involves integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of our HR processes, from recruitment and retention to career development and workplace culture,” Gaye explained.
“We expect participants to leave this workshop with a deeper understanding of gender mainstreaming and the skills to implement these practices within their teams,” Gaye stated. “Their role is crucial in driving the change we envision for LWSC.”
The two-day training workshop is part of LWSC’s broader commitment to continuous learning and development. The corporation said they recognize that achieving gender equity requires on-going efforts and is dedicated to providing the necessary resources and support to its employees.
“As we move forward, we will continue to invest in training and development programs that promote gender inclusivity and ensure that our policies and practices reflect our commitment to equity,” Gaye maintained.
The training workshop is designed to equip the Gender and Social Inclusion Unit with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement gender mainstreaming effectively. Providing an overview of the training, Piso, a prominent gender expert, reiterated the importance of such initiatives in promoting sustainable and equitable development.
“In 2009, the Government of Liberia (GOL), through the Ministry of Gender, adopted and launched the National Gender Policy. This policy aims to mainstream gender in national development processes, enhance the empowerment of women and girls, and create gender-responsive structures and mechanisms. These structures enable both women and men to participate in and benefit from development programs on an equal basis,” Piso stated.
She further emphasized that the training workshop is a continuation of these national efforts, tailored to address the specific needs of LWSC and ensure that gender considerations are integrated into its operational framework.
The National Gender Policy of Liberia serves as a foundation for the on-going efforts at LWSC. It outlines key objectives such as mainstreaming gender in national development; ensuring that gender perspectives are considered in all development policies and programs; empowerment of women and girls; promoting opportunities for women and girls to access resources, education, and decision-making roles; establishing mechanisms that support gender equality and enable both women and men to contribute to and benefit from national development.
By aligning with the National Gender Policy, LWSC aims to foster an inclusive work environment where gender equity is prioritized, and all employees have equal opportunities to contribute to the corporation’s success.
Participants in the training workshop include members of the Gender and Social Inclusion Unit, department heads, and other key stakeholders within LWSC and other governmental entities. The interactive sessions are designed to provide practical tools and strategies for integrating gender considerations into their daily work.
The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation’s training workshop for the Gender and Social Inclusion Unit marks a pivotal moment in its journey towards gender equity. By aligning with national policies and taking proactive steps to remodel its HR manual, LWSC is setting a precedent for other organizations to follow. This initiative reflects the corporation’s dedication to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to Liberia’s development.