Monrovia – The Gender Department of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) is now equipped with over US$8,000 worth of office furniture, computers, air conditioners and office tools provided by Millennium Challenge Account-Liberia (MCA-L) under the Millennium Challenge Compact between Liberia and the United States. The furniture and equipment will strengthen the capacity of the Department to promote gender and social equality within the public utility and in the delivery of services.
The support is part of MCA-L strategic assistance to establish, strengthen and capacitate Gender and Social Inclusion Units in compact implementing agencies of the Government of Liberia, including the Liberia Electricity Corporation and the Ministries of Mines and Energy (MME) and Public Works (MPW).
The MCA-L support to the ministries and agencies will create opportunities for marginalized groups, including poor women, disadvantaged youths, micro, small and medium enterprises, among others, to participate in and benefit from the Compact`s Energy and Roads projects.
“it is vital that gender is mainstreamed across the functionaries of the LEC in line with the National Gender policy and the Social and Gender Integration Plan (SGIP) so that vulnerable people are empowered to benefit from Millennium Challenge Compact projects,” said MCA-L Gender Specialist, Mardea Martin-Wiles during the turning over of the items.
The LEC Gender Department will help reinforce management efforts to effectively respond to gender-based issues in the field, institute gender disaggregated data collection and reporting system, and develop policies and plans to address gender and social inclusion barriers to electricity access for poor households, including women and disadvantage people and businesses.
“LEC Management and Board have approved the establishment of the LEC GSI department, believing that disadvantaged people, mainly women benefit from LEC services,” said LEC Director of Human Resource, Johan Du Lessis after he received the donated items from the MCA-L.
MCA-L recognizes that inequality and social exclusion can undermine poverty reduction and economic growth.