UN Men in Liberia Unite Against Gender-Based Violence: Pledge to Lead the Charge for Change

National and international male staff members serving in the United Nations in Liberia have pledged to adhere to an enduring commitment by joining ranks with other UN colleagues, government, human rights groups, and civil society organizations to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Liberia as a matter of urgency. 

As part of the observance of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based event, the One UN in Liberia organized a one-day, roundtable all-UN Men’s Conference, attended by various mainstream media journalists, to enhance men’s knowledge on dangers of gender-based violence as well as seek the men’s commitment and then commission them as anti-GBV ambassadors. 

At the end of the Conference, the UN Men overwhelmingly expressed their readiness to be involved in warding off GBV in the workplace, families, and communities. Moses Kelleh, a HeForShe champion at UN Women Liberia said he would be a role model. “I will continue to demonstrate the positive male roles to my children especially the boys in standing up for women and girls rights”, he stated. Joseph Van Harmon II of WFP Liberia made it clear that he would work with other men to get more engagements with communities, raising awareness on GBV.

According to the Government of Liberia, the prevalence of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) in the country has reached new heights, thus posing “a grave threat to the safety and dignity” of people and is quickly getting out of hand affecting women and girls but also children bearing the brunt of it. Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Gbeme-Horace Kollie, speaking during the 16 Days of Activism pre-launch media conference in Monrovia opined: “Gender-based violence remains a grave threat to the safety and dignity of women, girls, boys, and children across Liberia, as reflected in the 2023 and 2024 SGBV statistics. In 2023, a total of 3,204 SGBV cases were recorded, with women accounting for 93% of the survivors. Women and girls remain disproportionately affected, with rape accounting for 2,007 cases, sexual abuse for 398 cases, and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) for 791 cases”. 

Interestingly, the engagement of the UN men to prevent SGVB is also a stitch in time for sharing best practices, said Ms. Leetor Willaims of OHCHR, one of the conference organizers. According to Ms. Williams, “It was important to hold a conference for UN men focused on ending GBV because it is crucial for raising awareness, promoting accountability and encouraging men as allies in actively contributing to ending GBV and promoting systemic change. It facilitated sharing best practices, building of networks, and advancing gender equality”. UNDP’s Gender Program Officer and Gender Focal Point, Ms. Ernree Neeplo, played a key role in the planning of the conference. "Organizing and holding the first One UN Men Engagement Conference was a groundbreaking moment in our efforts to advance gender equality within the UN system in Liberia. It highlighted the importance of engaging men as proactive allies in challenging gender biases and fostering more inclusive practices, she said”

Earlier, UN Liberia Resident Coordinator, Ms. Christine Umutoni, addressed the conference, recognizing the collaboration of all partners, and calling for immediate action against GBV. “As we amplify the call for collective action and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our partners, both local and international, I must re-emphasize that the time for robust action is now. This campaign must penetrate every corner of Liberia, reaching churches, mosques, schools, intellectual centers, football fields, and rural communities with the same intensity and dedication we apply during political campaigns, “ she stressed. 

At the same time, UN Women Liberia Country Representative, Ms. Comfort Lamptey, emphasized the relevance of working with men to end GBV. She said UN Women Liberia has been, is, and will continue to be robust in engaging men: “Through our HeForShe Programs we mobilized men and boys throughout out project interventions areas to be a transform MAN who recognizes that both men and women are created equal, and women and girls should be able to contribute to the well-being of society. This conference is so important, because as much as we work with men and boys in communities, we shouldn’t forget ourselves, if we must holistically address gender issues and gender inequality throughout our community”. 

Organizers of the UN Men’s Conference said the gathering was a salient way of unlocking UN men’s abilities to fight GBV as well as challenging the structures, beliefs, practices, and institutions that sustain men’s aggregate privileges, as well as to address inequalities between women and men. Several female staff members of the UN also joined the conference, making presentations, encouraging men to be better instruments against GBV, and committing to work in cohort with men.

The conference discussed a wide range of topics including “Mainstreaming Masculinity and Femininity: A viable option for achieving gender equality and empowerment of women in Liberia”, “Men and Mental Health: Tackling the Stigma,” “Balancing Career and Family Life,” as well as “Briefing on HeForShe” and “General Discussions” among others.