PHOTO: Participants at the official observance of the day in Monrovia
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
As Liberians joins the world in observance of International Men’s Day, the Country Coordinator of Men Engage Liberia, Francis S. Konyan wants men to change the negative thoughts toward their power and privileges and support women and girls.
The International Men’s Day was established by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh in the year 1999 on 19 November, the day which is observed and celebrated across the world, is intended to spread awareness about men’s wellbeing and their contribution to households and society at large.
Speaking at the weekend in observance of the day, Mr. Konyon noted that now is the time for men and boys to start protecting, promoting and educating women and girls for the betterment and success of their family and society at large.
The Country Coordinator of Men Engage Liberia at the celebration, called on men and boys to challenge their power and privileges and create a better environment for their family and society in order to achieve their goals and potential.
Mr. Konyon made the comment Friday November 19, 2021 at the program making the observance of International Men’s day under the global theme Better relationship between men and women with national theme, together let us build a better and resilient relationship between men and women for a health society held at the ministry of Gender.
‘’We must get involved in protecting and promoting gender issues at homes, schools, churches and workplaces in order to have a better society’’ he said.
Mr. Konyon wants men not to carry the burden alone but to share responsibility whenever it is necessary and ask for help.
Francis S. Konyan however, used the occasion to urge men across the country to always and at all-time protect the rights of women and girls in society and be open to solving problems surrounding gender issues in the country.
In remarks, the He-For-She Crusaders Liberia Tamba F. J. Johnson called on men across Liberia to begin the conversation now between men and women in ending domestic violence and sexual and gender based violence in the country.
According to Mr. Johnson, there are issue men continue to face that contributing to their behavior resulting to violence against women, naming such at mental disorder, stressed, unemployment, drugs are some of the factor responsible for men begin violence.
‘’Fellow men and women, violence can never be addressed in society if we play blind eyes to the perpetrators, we must all get involved and engage in order to end violence in Liberia.
The program which was organized by He-For-She Crusaders Liberia in partnership with the Spotlight Initiative, International Rescue Committee, Minister of Gender brought together several men and the youthful population including several youth organizations in Monrovia.
At the program, several topic were covered including the importance of building an integrity as a father and the impact of family life, importance of building a better and resilient relationship between men and women for a health society, considering school, family and professional life; and the importance of understanding masculinity, gender equality and women and girls rights toward building a better relationship between men and women.