By: Edmund C. Gbarwee,Nimba D-9 TV Public Health Reporter
Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Liberia: – As way to help minimize Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV/GBV) and Intersectionality amongst citizens in Liberia which Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District is of no exception, Women Empowerment Forum Liberia (WOMEN-LIBERIA) with funding from EU/UN Spotlight Initiative Project through DEN-L has ended a week long awareness in Zehnla and Blinlon Administrative Districts respectively inclusive of distribution of stationery to duty bearers (clinics, schools, churches, judiciary, community watch forum , local government authorities etc) for effectiveness in reporting cases on SGBV/GBV and Intersectionality.
According to the Finance Officer Solomon P. Gbarwee, the recent awareness and distribution cost is placed atleast at Eight Hundred United States Dollars (USD$800). These materials will enable our Focus Persons and stakeholders including duty bearers to effectively work as per the project and we are pleased for the turnout. Mr. Gbarwee said.
Zlanperdpor Zuo , WOMEN-LIBERIA Project Assistant told Nimba D-9 TV after the week long activities that the awareness and distribution went well and the activities took place in seven (7) communities, namely, Zekepa, Karyee, Kpowin, Dahnpa, Zahnzayee, Kwendin and Sendin-Tropea respectively.
“We are excited about this project because a lot of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) or NGOs normally don’t like to work in hard to reach communities, but Women Empowerment Forum Liberia (WOMEN-LIBERIA) because of our Mission, Vision and Core Values is always fully ready to reach out to every part across hard to reach communities for the better good of the needed for social justice. On the other hand, Men are really turning out which shows that they are willing to help end SGBV etc’’ Miss Zuo stressed.
The One Nimba Media House Inc (Nimba D-9 TV) independently gathered that, the participants inclusive of Women Organizations, Youths, Religious Leaders, Local Government Officials, Medical Practitioners, the Media one and all fully appreciated Women Empowerment Forum Liberia (WOMEN-LIBERIA) for the level of work done thus far which continues to help them in understanding their roles and responsibilities.
Zehnla Administrative District Commissioner Samuel Freeman, who is very excited about this issue of unequal power relations that leads to SGBV/SGV & Intersectionality awareness stressed that citizens should fully welcome these trainings which will help everyone to live happily.
“As we have come to serve as Vice Juror of the President Dr. George M. Weah of Liberia who is a Feminist in Chief, we will appreciate all of us men to stop all forms of violence & abuse against women & girls. I am happy that because of Women Empowerment Forum Liberia (WOMEN-LIBERA) and the role of media in sending out the SGBV Jingles on these issues, we are witnessing a great reduction in SGBV cases etc and will like us all to continue.
I am volunteering my services to help in the formation of Focus Persons in tracking of SGBV cases here in Zehnla and equally calling on other Commissioners to join me help Women Empowerment Forum Liberia (WOMEN-LIBERIA) to minimize SGBV/GBV and Intersectionality in our communities. Lastly, the stationery supplied, let’s use them for the intended purposes for the overall good of the project. These materials are very expensive “said Commissioner Samuel Freeman
For his part, Community Watch Forum head, Gonsee Luogon appreciated Women Empowerment Forum Liberia (WOMEN-LIBERIA) for the efforts and promised to be an Ambassador.
Zone Chief Nathaniel Bleh also appreciated the team for the training and has promised to live right with his wife and children and also encouraging all men to love their wives and children.
Women who spoke to The One Nimba House Media Inc (Nimba D-9 TV) said, many of them never knew their rights and their role in helping to help Minimize SGBVs in their homes.
‘’We are very happy for Women- Liberia as we are leaving new for positive growth’’.
Retired Teacher Irene S. M. Gbarwee said, “The SGBV Jingles on the radio is really helping us too in understanding our roles and responsibilities’’.
Madame Laura Bee Kiekpo Project Lead, thanked the participants for the turnout as always and their willingness in accepting the project.
‘’Your corporation since this project started has shown to us that Yarwin Mehnsonnoh is prepare to help minimize SGBV/GBV and Intersectionality. Citizens have reported cases as way of ending this circle of trauma on women and girls abused. We are grateful and seeing our stakeholders one and all joining us which shows a greater impact’’. Madame Kiekpo said
Madame Kiekpo furthered said, this project will come to an end in December 2022 but there are still huge gaps as we are lobbying for the construction of police station in this part of Liberia.
Imagine because there is no police station here, we have to get police from Tappita or Saclepea whenever there are issues which is very challenging and sometimes undermine the activities.
As our Stakeholders and project team said earlier, this is a hard to reach community but we are excited because serving is our passion. We also want to appreciate our Donor (EU/UN Spotlight Initiative through DEN-L for funding this project.
