Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that gender equity remains a central focus in the country’s budgetary and development planning processes.
Assistant Minister for Budget Sarah McGill Mulbah, speaking on behalf of Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBVs) during the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence on Monday at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
Minister Mulbah underlined that the Ministry would keep playing a significant role in giving projects and initiatives that cater to women’s needs top priority.
She pointed out that gender-related problems were continuously brought up in all of the conversations during the consultations for the creation of the soon-to-be-launched ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), highlighting their importance in national planning.
“Ending gender-based violence requires not only strong legal frameworks, but also sustained investment,” Minister Mulbah stated.
Citing the dearth of resources for law enforcement, she emphasized further how expensive it is to react to gender-based violence.
“The burden of duty is passed to the bereaved family if a woman is raped and the police do not have petrol for their cars or motorcycles. She clarified that the government must fulfill its obligation to shorten response times.
Minister Mulbah emphasized that in order to promote appropriate responses to gender-based violence, it is crucial to assist indirect sectors like healthcare, education, and economic possibilities in addition to direct initiatives.
A global movement spearheaded by civil society, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence takes place every year.
It emphasizes that violence against women is the most widespread violation of human rights in the world and runs from November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10th, Human Rights Day.
After being started by activists at the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, the campaign has since inspired people and institutions, such as the UN and allies throughout the world, to support the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls (VAWG).
The second lady, Madam Synleseh S. Dahn-Koung, formally launched the event in Liberia on Monday. Women from all around the country, as well as representatives from UN organizations, the diplomatic corps, and government officials, attended.
