The Government of Liberia (GOL), through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), with support from partners, will on today, Thursday, November 25, 2021 officially launch the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” in Kakata, Margibi County.
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 November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, International Human Rights Day. This year marks the 30th year of the 16 days of activism globally, and the 20th commemoration of the campaign in Liberia. It is a global campaign entirely dedicated to eliminating gender-based violence (GBV).
This year’s campaign is being observed under a global theme, “End Violence against Women Now!”, while Liberia is commemorating the day under a national theme, “Enough is Enough! Let’s Act Now To End Violence Against Women, Girls, Children and Other Marginalized Groups”. This approach is in alignment with the “Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD)”, Pillar One: Power to the People, which highlights gender and equity as a strategy to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) and other social inequalities of women and girls in particular.
Additionally, the 16 days’ campaign highlights the need to address ending gender-based violence in Liberia, especially amongst women and children. “Notwithstanding, the protection of women, girls and marginalized groups cannot be overly emphasized, as we look out for the prevention of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV), while promoting women’s political participation, women’s economic empowerment, equal opportunities, among others,” a press release from Gender Ministry said.
“The objective of the commemoration of the 16 days of activism focuses on the issues that are most pertinent to the wellbeing of women, girls and the disadvantaged, as the Gender Ministry and partners intend to harness a concerted effort geared towards a massive nationwide awareness to all communities in the 15 counties, reflagging the importance of ensuring a better society for all women,” the press release continued.
“Ahead of the official launch, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection would like to further inform the public about a drastic decline in SGBV cases from January 2020 to September 2021. Accordingly, in 2020, the Ministry’s GBV statistics projected a total of 2,240 cases of which 1,547 (69%) accounted for rape, Gang Rape and Sodomy, while 693 (31%) accounted for other forms of GBV. However, latest SGBV’s data covering the period January– September 2021, shows a margining decline in the number of SGBV cases reported. As per the data, 997 GBV cases were reported as compared to a whopping 2,240 cases in 2020. Of the total, 674 or (68%) constitutes Rape, Gang rape and Sodomy in 2021, as compared to 1,547 cases that constituted Rape, Gang Rape and Sodomy in 2020.
“While the Ministry hails the country’s Feminist-In-Chief, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, local and international partners, for the concerted effort and unflinching support in achieving this historical milestone, it is worth mentioning that other forms of domestic violence, especially denial of resources, persistent non-support, abandonment of families by the sole provider of that family, child abuse and sexual abuse by parents/guardians, are some of the reasons for the rise in child prostitution, teenage pregnancy and other social exclusions.
“These forms of violence, which have not been noticed as grave contributing factors, are eating up the fabric of the Liberian Society, and gradually destroying the future of our young generation while serving as barriers to women and girls reaching their full potential.
“Additionally, the Ministry of Gender wants to reecho that the seven-count policy statement signed by the National Council of Chiefs and Elders, United Nations, and the Government of Liberia (GOL) for the temporary closure of all bush schools on June 25, 2019 has expired. In this direction, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection still sees the need for more commitments in this area because cases of forceful initiation into sande bushes are still being reported to the Ministry of Gender, LNP, WACPS etc. Again we say, much more has to be done to ensure every girl is free from female genital mutilation (FGM).
“The official launch and indoor program takes place at the Kakata Administrative Building following a parade beginning at 8:00 a.m. from the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) compound through the streets of Kakata.
“Meanwhile, the Ministry encourages the general public, local and international partners, line ministries and agencies to join the campaign by wearing orange on Thursday, in support of the campaign against sexual and gender-based violence,” the Gender Ministry’s statement observed.