-As they light up the Police headquarters in observance of the 16Days of activism
By Jerromie S. Walters
Still in the period of the 16Days of activism, UN Women and her partners conglomerated earlier this week for the lighting of the headquarters of the Liberia National Police (LNP), in observance of the celebration in Liberia.
Members of the diplomatic corps, officials of government, national security personnel, heads and members of CSOs, staff from the UN and several government entities lighted the LNP building with the symbolic orange, as the 16Days of activism against sexual and gender based continues.
Earlier at the occasion, the United Nations Liberia Country Representative, Comfort Lamptey, stressed the essentiality of this year’s theme of the 16Days of activism, as it focuses on investment in the fight to end sexual and gender based violence.
Madam Comfort Lamptey, characterized the LNP as a critical stakeholder in the fight against SGBV, and as such, she believes the need for the police headquarters being used for the lighting was also very important. She says it speaks to the security’s indescribable role in the fight to curb and end all forms of violence against women.
Madam Lamptey recognized the Police’s role as first responders, and emphasized that they have been committed in ensuring that perpetrators of different forms of violence face the outcome of their actions, through arrest, investigation, and subsequently legal charges.
She expressed optimism that the lighting of the LNP building in observance of the 16Days of activism will serve as a call to action, which will enable a recommitment by the LNP in addressing SGBV.
In a brief remark at the event, Deputy Gender Minister, Alice Howard, the police have done a lot and they have a lot more to do in the fight against SGBV.
She thanked all actors that have aided the fight against sexual and gender based violence, says they have been the backbones. She noted that it is because the Ministry of Gender is currently using the referral pathways, the country now experience what is seen as an increase in SGBV.
Amongst all forms of violence, she says rape is deadly amongst them all, as it has reflected greatly and negatively on the younger generation. Amid the country’s drastic law on rape, she wondered why it continues to go on the increase, especially for younger children.
In concurrence with the 16Days of activism theme: she stressed the need for combined effort, as she believes it is better to invest than to respond.
On behalf of the LNP and the other security forces, Ms. Sadatu L. M. Reeves, Deputy Inspector General of Police, tells her audience that with the lightening of the building, it implies that their work has been recognized by Liberians and their partners, including UN Women. She says the lightening signifies that the police is ready to work to end violence against women.
She discouraged all forms of violence against women, and emphasized the need for investment towards combating SGBV.
Moreover- she indicated that the lightening speaks to the fact that they are committed to combating SGBV. “We are committed ourselves to prevent violence against women in our society.”
In the closing remark, Madam Asatu Bah-Kenneth, Deputy Commissioner General, Liberia Immigration Service, thanked the government’s partners. She thanked the ministry of gender, and the police for their intervention. As they see the light in their facility, she wants it be a reason for them to remain vigilant in the fight against SGBV.
The 16Days of Activism was launched on November 25, 2023, in Paynesville. It is a global campaign rooted in the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute, advocating for an end to Gender-Based Violence.
