By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia – The World Bank Liberia Country Manager, Georgia Wallen, has underscored the importance of women’s empowerment within the Government of Liberia’s (GoL) new ARREST agenda, which aims to dismantle barriers to full inclusion, including gender-based violence, limited access to health services, and restricted educational and economic opportunities.
Madam Wallen commented when she addressed participants at a training workshop on Gender-Informed and Participatory Budgeting for Gender & Social Inclusion Units at Government Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) in Monrovia. Organizers said the workshop, held at the Lutheran Compound, marks a significant step towards enhancing governance that prioritizes the needs and interests of the Liberian populace, particularly women and girls.
“This week’s training is crucial for advancing governance that serves the needs of the people of Liberia, especially women and girls,” Wallen stated. “To achieve this, we must take action across multiple fronts, including well-informed policy action and enhanced resource allocation. Wallen outlined three key elements that underpin the workshop’s objectives: vision, collaboration, and learning.
In her opening remarks, Madam Wallen emphasized the World Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusion as a fundamental aspect of its mission to eradicate extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a sustainable planet.
Vision and Strategic Investment
Madam Wallen highlighted the need for Liberia to prioritize strategic investments within its ARREST agenda, especially in a challenging fiscal environment. “These investments are essential for securing a better today and a more prosperous tomorrow for Liberia’s women and girls,” she remarked. She noted that the training on Gender Responsive and Participatory Budgeting is a vital component of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), which is financed by the World Bank.
Collaboration Among Government EntitiesThe Country Manager stressed the importance of collaboration between various government entities to ensure the effectiveness of Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting (GRPB). “Sustaining and expanding critical investments in the socioeconomic empowerment of women and girls requires strong leadership and coordination from the GoL,” Wallen explained. She expressed her delight at the partnership between the Ministry of Gender and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, which is crucial for the success of this initiative.
Learning from Global ExperiencesWallen also pointed to successful examples from countries such as South Africa, India, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, where GRPB has proven to be a transformative tool for aligning budgetary allocations with gender equality objectives. She cited Zimbabwe’s increased budgetary allocations for combating child sexual abuse and domestic violence, as well as India’s initiatives to involve vulnerable women in the budget formulation process. “With your hard work, Liberia can become a benchmark for future global trainings, showcasing the positive impact of these initiatives on women and girls across the country,” she encouraged participants.
In closing, Wallen expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the launch of the GRPB training. She reaffirmed the World Bank’s support for these efforts through the LWEP and congratulated the organizers for their commitment to empowering women and girls in Liberia. “With the strong leadership of the Ministries of Gender and Finance and wider GoL coordination, I am confident this initiative will yield significant benefits for years to come,” she concluded. The workshop represents a crucial step forward in Liberia’s journey towards inclusive governance and equitable resource allocation, setting the stage for a brighter future for its women and girls.
