Contributed by: Wil. Wilfred Duosi
MONROVIA: In advancing women’s knowledge to participate in decision-making at workplaces, especially the Justice Ministry and Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection, a five (5) years strategic action plan has been launched.
The program, which took place at the Ála Lagoon Congo Town back road brought together key stakeholders from different lane Ministries, International Organizations, UN Women, EU, ECOWAS, and Civil Society Organizations including employees of the Ministry of Justice.
Giving the overview of the Gender policy action plan the director of the Gender Social Inclusion Unit at the Ministry of Justice Madam Maude M. Somah said, the purpose of the gender audit was based on ascertainthe extent to which the Moj mainstreamed gender equality into its policies, system and practice.
Madam Somah disclosed that with the workforce of 999 employees at the Ministry in 2020, 23% were women, while the remaining were men, adding that there two women in management, which were political appointments.
Though there are both men and women in decision making, but an analysis has shown an inequality between men and women at a different staff levels with women predominanting lower professional cadre levels, especially in management.
The Director of the GSIU lauded partners for their continuous support towards the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection.
Launching the Gender Social Inclusion Unit program, Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald N. Tweh note that the document encapsulates Decisions and Declarations of Liberia and global commitments on gender and women’s empowerment.
He further explained that the GSIU will also demonstrate the continued commitment of the leadership of the Ministry of Justice to advancing gender equality.
Minister Tweh believed the Gender Policy will provide a mandate for the operationalization of the Ministry of Justice commitments and will be accompanied by a five-year Costed Action Plan (CAP), which will guide its implementation.
In his remark deputy Minister for Research, Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Gender Curtis V. Dorley described the launching of the Gender Social Inclusion Unit as a boost to both ministries, as he called for collaboration to enhancing women participation in decision making and serving in other key professional positions.
He noted for full implementation of the GSIU project stakeholders must play a significant role in progressing the program and, at the same time reaffirming the Ministry of Gender’s commitment to supporting gender justice in every ministry and agency.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS representative to Liberia Madam Josephine Nukrumeh said, the GSIU should not be overlooked.
Madam Nukrumeh further called on donors and the Ministry of Finance to support and allocate resources that will fully implement the Gender Social Inclusion Unit program.