Monrovia, Liberia – In an effort to track Sexual Gender Based Violence record in Liberia, the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has presented over 3,000 medical report books for documentation of SGBV to the Ministry of Gender.
Giving overview, WONGOSOL Program Manager Willet Salue said, the medical report books for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) at one-stop centers are crucial for several reasons.
Speaking Friday, August 2, 2024 at the presentation ceremony at the Ministry of Gender in Monrovia, the books will document detailed evidence of survivors psychological and physical conditions, ensure health care are provided for them; adding, it will serve as a medium of data collection and analysis, while empowering and validating survivors’ experiences.
She noted that accurate records can support the survivor’s case in court, helping to bring perpetrators to justice. WONGOSOL Board Chairperson Madam Facia Harris said the books will assist health workers at various health facilities in tracking activities of SGBV reported at their various hospitals and clinics when she presented the over 3,000 books to the Ministry of Gender on behalf of the group.
She claimed that the record tracker books will also assist in producing evidence that can be utilized in court proceedings involving survivors.
The initiative is a part of the “Strengthening Collaborations and Responding to GBV, Economic Empowerment & Increase Representation of Women in Political Leadership at County and National Levels in Liberia” project, which is funded by SIDA and supported by Kvinna till Kvinna, according to Madam Harris.
According to her, the book’s significance lies in fostering partnerships and creating networks that would support women’s voices, lessen violence, and maintain the socioeconomic empowerment of women in Liberia.
“The goal of this initiative is to decrease gender-based violence in Liberia by strengthening the monitoring and response services of SGBV in coordination with national actors,” the representative stated.
After accepting the books, Atty. Laura Golakeh, Deputy Minister of Gender, expressed gratitude to the partners and women’s organization for their work. Attorney Golakeh pointed out that despite their best efforts, the Ministry still has a significant gap in its knowledge of gender-based violence.
In order to accomplish their aim, she also urged partners and CSOs to work together.
Dr. Cynthia Blapooh, the Ministry of Health’s SGBV Coordinator, stated that in order for health professionals to have appropriate documentation, they must have the necessary training.
“Your generous donation is greatly appreciated since this is a very critical matter. Since this is a new government, let us exercise patience while we work on things too, Dr. Blapooh added. According to her, there is no fee for SGBV cases, and anyone who receives payment for one of these cases is breaking the law.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
