MONROVIA: The National Civil Society National Reference Group (CS NRG), has called for increased in male mental health programs- masculinity in schools, places of works and communities.
The group indicated that such support would contribute to the reduction of Sexual and Gender-Based Violent (SGBV) and other suicide-related issues in the country.
CSNRG also recommended that consideration should be given for future programs of support toward women and children in Liberia.
The group asserted that more female officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP), should be engaged and encouraged to avoid reverting to compromising SGBV cases.
Addressing a news conference over the weekend, Mr. Tamba F. J. Johnson, Chair- CS NRG expressed the belief that increased logistical and financial support is required in future programs for law enforcement bodies, prosecuting lawyers/partners to ensure speedy and timely litigation of SGBV cases.
It also underscored the need for sustained mentorship support for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs), through experienced local organizations aimed at fostering transparency, accountability and probity.
He said the National Civil Society National Reference Group should be launched as a recognized and legitimate structure, in adherence to Global Alliance being supported and considered as valuable partner to the One- UN, under the UN-Women, and Development partners.
The group added that the body should remain committed to its advisory, advocacy and monitoring roles.
Initiated by the European Union and the United Nations, the National Civil Society National Reference Group (CS NRG) plays Advisory, Advocacy, and Monitoring/Implementation of SI implementations.
According to him, one of the prerequisites to achieving the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development is in line with the government of Liberia’s Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (2018-2023) that is focused on women’s empowerment and gender inclusion.
He said to have a developed, functioning and stable society, gender equality/equity, social inclusion, accountability and transparency are basic fundamental human rights of all persons irrespective of their sexual orientation, creeds and status.
He pointed out that Liberia is one of eight countries of the world which are implementing the SI activities over four years (2018 to 2023).
With the resilience and level of inclusiveness of all sectors, the SI has made significant milestones/gains toward the fight for gender inclusion, institutional strengthening, litigations, SGBV response, data collection and analysis, including harmful practices/ binding of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Liberia, and exclusion of women and girls voices at key decision.
“Based on Liberia SI program performance, Liberia has been considered one of the best performing countries under the SI implementing countries. We are of the opinion that this recognition, visibilities and tractability of impacts in Liberia would not have been possible without the collective and resilient efforts and commitment of all of us.”
One of such gains is the ban/suspension of FGM practices in Liberia, the eradication of four heritage cultural centers, the provision of village saving loans to over 250 female FGM practitioners, the purchase of additional three DNA machines and the training of over four technicians / pathologists by the UNFPA to operate those DNA machines in Liberia.
This is now assisting with the SGBV fight at the level initiated by the European Union and the United Nations,” he said.
He indicated that, more Liberians, especially men and boys, are now knowledgeable of, and receptive to the importance of gender equality and male roles in protecting and creating conducive spaces and environment for women and girls to have their voices and representation felt and participations made at all levels.
He pointed out that, the SI has ensured civil society and government’s coexistence by working together in the best interest of all Liberians, mostly women and girls.
