Liberia launches 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign

The United Nations family joined the Government and people of Liberia to launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which kicked off on Saturday, 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and will run until 10 December, Human Rights Day. The launch event was held at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex in Paynesville.

This year’s 16 days of activism campaign is being held under the global theme, ‘Invest to prevent violence against women and girls,’ and the national theme ‘Empower Women, Secure Our Nation: Invest Locally to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls.’

Various stakeholders, including Government officials, members of the Diplomatic community, representatives of civil society organisations, members of the UN family and the media, among others, attended the event.

The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Honourable Williametta Sayde-Tarr, delivered a special statement and highlighted that the 16 days of activism is a significant moment where the nation and the global community come together to amplify voices and reiterate commitments to eradicate violence against women, girls and the vulnerable in society. She reiterated that the theme underscores the importance of allocating resources and making commitments towards preventive measures. Hon. Saydee-Tarr expressed gratitude to partners working tirelessly to support her ministry to address issues gender-based violence.

Dr. Peter Clement, the Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator for Liberia, delivered the UN Secretary General’s message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. He highlighted that “Violence against women is a horrific violation of human rights, a public health crisis and a major obstacle to sustainable development.” He noted that this year’s theme calls on all stakeholders to take action to ‘Support legislation and comprehensive policies that strengthen the protection of women’s rights across the board; Ramp up investments in prevention and support to women’s rights organization; Listen to survivors and end impunity for perpetrators everywhere and stand with women activists and promote women’s leadership at every stage of decision-making.’

In his keynote address, Councillor Isaac George, Director of the Sex Crimes Unit in the Ministry of Justice, expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia, the European Union and United Nations Spotlight Initiative and the Government of Sweden, among other partners, for the support to bring perpetrators to justice but acknowledged that violence against women and girls remains a challenge that still has to be eradicated. He called on the Government and partners to invest in the education and establishment of safe homes for women and girls in all 15 counties in Liberia.

Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Liberia Country Representative, launched this year’s edition of the 16 Days campaign. She explained that investments towards ending gender-based violence are not only monetary but include strengthening of all sectors. Ms. Lamptey highlighted that prevention is advanced when there are strong women’s rights organisations working to support government efforts to end gender-based violence. She emphasized the importance of investing in transforming social norms, stereotypes, persistent discrimination against women, male engagement and investment in interventions that underline joint efforts and collaboration.

Representatives of the Diplomatic community and civil society organisations gave their solidarity messages at the event, characterized by speeches and entertainment from the Crusaders of Peace led by traditional Queen Juli Endee.

The UN in Liberia is supporting the Government to roll out the 16 Days of Activism campaign.