– As Gender Minister Calls for Sustained Fight to End Violence Against Women and Girls
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Gbeme Horice-Kollie, has called on Liberians to use the sixteen days of Activism to end violence against women and girls.
Speaking Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the initiation of the sixteen days of activism, Minister Horice-Kollie revealed an alarming increase in violence, especially rape, across the country. She stated that between January to October, Liberia recorded 2,759 rape cases.
“While significant progress has been made in addressing GBV, the challenges persist. Data from recent years show alarming trends, with few counties still reporting high GBV cases:
For example, In 2022, Montserrado County reported 815 rape cases, followed by Margibi (86) and Bong (83).
In 2023, the numbers climbed, as Montserrado recorded 1,279 cases, Nimba 223, and Margibi 143, respectively, as the total number of cases reported in 2023 stands at 3,204.” Minister Horice-Kollie revealed.
She asserted that the figures underscore the urgency of intensifying efforts to combat GBV, which remains a significant barrier to the empowerment and full potential of women and girls in Liberia.
Historically, 33 years ago, in 1991, the idea of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” was orchestrated.
It is presumably one of the most illuminating ideas put forth by the first women’s Global Leadership Institute. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign entirely dedicated to eliminating all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
At the 2024 Sixteen Days of Activism, which is held under the global theme: “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls” and under the National Theme: “From Talk to Action! Let’s Join Hands to End Violence Against Women and Girls to Achieve Beijing +30”, Minister Horice-Kollie asserted that the selected dates within the 16 Days underscore the urgency of addressing violence and highlight the role of patriarchal systems, harmful traditional practices, and ineffective legal frameworks in perpetuating abuse.
She provided that the campaign, which runs from November 25th to December 10th, seeks to raise awareness, inspire action, and mobilize stakeholders to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
“Over the next 16 days, the Ministry, in collaboration with its partners, will engage in a series of impactful activities aimed at addressing the root causes of GBV and amplifying the voices of survivors.”
She added that a nationwide campaign will roll out targeted awareness initiatives in communities across all fifteen counties, emphasizing the devastating impact of GBV, including rape, domestic violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM).
Community-based dialogues will be held to promote accountability, engage local leaders, and empower women and girls to stand against violence.
Additionally, organizing discussions with adolescents, youth, and educators will focus on the role of young people in ending GBV and fostering safe spaces for all.
She added that each of these activities aligns with this year’s National Theme: “From Talk to Action! Let’s Join Hands to End Violence Against Women and Girls to Achieve Beijing +30.”
Meanwhile, the Gender Ministry continued by stating that this year, the Ministry of Gender and its partners aim to raise nationwide awareness to prevent all forms of violence against women and girls, including SGBV, female genital mutilation (FGM), and child marriage.
She provided that the ministry, along with its partners, will engage communities, especially young women and adolescent girls, to hold duty bearers accountable for commitments to gender equality and women’s rights.
Therefore, vowed to advocate for women’s and girls’ rights through extensive media campaigns.
She further reported that the government, through the ministry, will increase male engagement and involve traditional and religious leaders in eradicating SGBV and FGM.
And strengthen community accountability mechanisms to prevent and respond to GBV.
She further reported that the ministry will mobilize stakeholders to recommit and invest in ending violence against women and girls.
Minister Horice-Kollie concluded by lauding gender development partners and a workforce of the Ministry of Gender for ensuring that the ministry maintains its stance in the fight to end violence against women and children.
“Before I close, allow me to extend special appreciation to all our partners, both local and international, for their unflinching support. As we commemorate this campaign, let us remain united in purpose, igniting hope for a society where every individual can live, grow, and thrive without fear of violence.
Let me take this opportunity to commend our front-liners, particularly members of the National GBV Taskforce, our international partners, and the dedicated staff of the Ministry, whose unwavering commitment continues to make a difference. Your tireless efforts in bridging the gaps and addressing the scourge of rape and all forms of violence against women, girls, and children are deeply appreciated. Please do not grow weary in this noble fight; it is a continuous journey that requires all of us to work together.”
