By: Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The Economic Community of West Africa States in conjunction with the government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection has launched the Liberia-ECOWAS Gender Development Center for the implementation of the Fistula Project.
The Fistula Project which is supported by the ECOWAS Gender Desk of the ECOWAS Commission, will provide direct support to those women and girls affected by obstetric fistula and also increase public awareness and understanding of the condition, its causes, and the comprehensive strategies needed for prevention and treatment.
The commissioner of Human Development and Social Affairs, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, provided that the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) was established in January 2003 by Decision A/DEC. 16/01.03 of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, as an ECOWAs specialized Agency responsible for initiating and facilitating capacity building through knowledge-based training and skills transfer.
The ECOWAS Commissioner of Human Development and Social Affairs, further added that it is also intended for the development and management of programs for women and men in the public and private sectors, and the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in ECOWAS integration programs.
Officially launching the Gender Development Center on Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace-Kollie asserted that the establishment of the center is to work towards the prevention festual and provision of support to its survival.
She intimated that it is a vision birthed by the quest to have inequalities as things of the past. “It is a vision where inequalities will be things of the past and all women will see an opportunity to be free from gender discrimination and bias.”
She admonished stakeholders to be more strategic and supportive in their efforts to achieve their goals. “Let’s be bold in our actions, strategic in our plan, and united in our support in the fight to end obstetric fistula, that this may not be just another program launched.”
In an overview provided, the Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Atty. Laura Golakeh intimated the launch underscores a significant step forward in the continued partnership between the ECOWAS Commission and the Government of Liberia and is aimed at empowering women and girls across the country through targeted and impactful initiatives.
She asserted that over the years, the ECOWAS Commission has provided substantial support to a series of programs designed to uplift and empower Liberian women and girls, including Medical and Financial Support for Women and Girls Suffering from Obstetric Fistula; Provision of Scholarships for Girls in Specialized Technical and Vocational Training Programs and Financial Support for Women in Agribusiness, Fishery, and Arts and Crafts.
For her part, Siah V.M. Hare, Gender Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection not just to celebrate the launch of the Gender Development Center but must renew their commitment to the fight against barriers by collaborating with partners to ensure that women are empowered. She asserted that empowerment for women is not just a goal but a foundation for unlocking potential for sustainable development.
