Monrovia, June 19 (LINA) – Liberia’s Vice President, Jewel Howard-Taylor has expressed frustration over the increase in cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other threats to females, like female genital mutilation and early childhood marriage.
According to Vice President Taylor, the selection of Liberia as one of eight countries in Africa by the formulators of the Spotlight Initiative indicates that Liberia as a country is still at “a very low point” when it comes to the elimination of SGBV, adding that Liberia still has a lot more to do as a country against the vice.
The first female Vice President of Liberia expressed the frustration when she launched the Global Spotlight Initiative in Tienii Town, Tewor District in Grand Cape Mount County.
The Spotlight Initiative, a joint initiative of the European Union and the United Nations, which seeks to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls across the world, was launched in Tienii on Tuesday, June 18.
Speaking further, the Liberian Vice President said women and girls are vital components of every nation; as such they should be granted full protection and their rights respected at all times.
« The girl child is the most important asset of the family, » Vice President Taylor pointed out, adding that « if you provide opportunity for her, she will provide education to her children and also make sure they are in safer environment. »
Meanwhile, Vice President Taylor is calling for the passage of the Domestic Violence Act.
She has at the same time called on the President to pass an Executive Order which will serve as deterrence to would-be perpetrators of SGBV, adding that the Executive Order will act in place of the Domestic Violence Act that is still languishing in the corridors of the National legislature.
She is also recommending that due to medical gap, victims of sexual and gender-based violence should be given free first-aid treatment at all health facilities, adding that parents of victims have continued to cry out for lack of funding to treat victims across the country.
On behalf of President Dr. George Manneh Weah, Vice President Taylor commended global partners, particularly the Swedish government, the European Union and United Nations, for providing funding to Liberia to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
Vice President Taylor also hoped that at the end of the four years of the Spotlight Initiative, attitude, custom, and laws will change for the betterment of women and girls in the country.
Also speaking at the program, the Chargé ďAffaires of the European Union, Mr. Jaun Antonio Frutos Goldaratz, assured the Liberian Government of the EU’s full commitment to defend and fight for the rights of women and girls, advance equality between women and men, and empower women and girls.
« A society where women can fully enjoy rights and opportunities on an equal footing with men is not only just, it is also more prosperous and peaceful, » Mr. Goldaratz said.
He called on political, traditional and civil society actors to work side-by-side so that there can be a change in the lives of women and girls.
For his part, the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Liberia, Yacoub El Hillo expressed optimism over the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls in Liberia.
The UN diplomat said while it is true the statistics on sexual and gender-based violence in the country are alarming, if Liberia which was once a war-torn nation can now be enjoying 16 years of peace, is an indication that progress is possible for the elimination of sexual and gender-based violence.
