MONROVIA – Following the sixteen days of activism that documented violence against women and girls, ‘Men Engage,’ in collaboration with Men Engage Africa and the Men Engage Global Alliance—a group dedicated to working with men and boys for gender equality—hosted a Dialogue with Stakeholders to address various societal challenges.
By Mae Azango [email protected]
The dialogue brought together a Network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to deliberate on ways to tackle issues such as illicit drugs, female genital mutilation (FGM), violence against women and girls, and the reduction of gender inequalities. The focus was also on preventing HIV and promoting the health and well-being of women, girls, boys, and men.
In his opening statement, Mr. Tamba F.J. Johnson, Chairman of the steering Committee, highlighted illicit drug consumption, primarily by young men, as a significant contributing factor to various forms of violence and criminal activities in Liberia. He estimated that over 250,000 Liberian youths are living on illicit drugs, with over half of them being school dropouts.
“Nation-building is being challenged because these drug-addicted youths may not have the requisite technical skills to work and afford a stable source of income. Based on their vulnerable status, they become perpetrators of violence and criminal activities. To establish a safe society, the promotion and full implementation of the 2023 Liberian Drugs Law should be a priority through awareness and advocacy by the government of Liberia,” said Johnson.
He further emphasized that, in addition to illicit drugs, Female Genital Mutilation and a sustained patriarchal system hinder gender equality, particularly for women, girls, and marginalized groups. While acknowledging the ban on FGM activities by the National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders in parts of Liberia on February 6, 2023, he noted reports of continued practices, emphasizing the need for collective action by traditional practitioners and the government.
Addressing the 2030 SDGs goal number 5, “Gender Equality,” Johnson acknowledged the existing challenges in Liberia for women, girls, and marginalized groups. Despite policies on gender equality, women are underrepresented in key institutions. For example, the female percentage in the Legislature is less than 12 percent, with only three females in the House of Senate and about eight in the House of Representatives. He cited the failure of political parties to meet the 30 percent female candidate inclusion, signed in a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding, without penalty actions taken by the state (the Electoral body).
To address these issues, Men Engage Liberia, a member of Men Engage Africa and Men Engage Global Alliance, organized the round table dialogue session. The goal is to identify effective strategies through robust advocacy and networking. The dialogue will include representatives from the Ministry of Gender, particularly the division of Gender, Women, and Children, the Ministry of Justice Human Rights, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs—Cultural and Custom, who will share their experiences and challenges to inform advocacy strategies.