–Revisit Rape Law Amendment Proposal
An open letter from the Liberia Women Media Action (LIWOMAC) has called on President-elect, George Manneh Weah to pay serious attention to gender parity issues regarding the review of the rape amendment proposal, in addition to congratulating him.
The Senate has passed an amendment of the current rape law making the crime bailable, something that needs the concurrence of the House of Representatives.
The open letter dated January 8th 2018, catalogues issues of physical and psychological violence and abuses that economically, politically and socially limit the potential of women in contributing to national development.
LIWOMAC suggested “the setting up of an expert group comprising women policy analysis, lawyers, medical practitioners, MoGCSP, UN Women, and other relevant actors to advance a proposal that will make the rape law efficient in application, ensuring fairness for survivors, victims and perpetrators.”
The women’s group has therefore appealed to President Weah to include in his 100 days deliverable action plans that have the prospect of protecting the rights of women of Liberia from the grave incidences of sexual and gender based violence.
Another passionate appeal contained in the open letter has to do with the incoming government ensuring “that programs on jobs, training, youth empowerment, agriculture, economic development and other goals outlined under the 100 days framework will guarantee a minimum of 40% quota for women and girls.”
Within the first 100 days deliverable plan, the open letter appeals to the CDC transition team to take action towards guaranteeing the dignity and safety of women of Liberia.
The open letter reminded the incoming government about the fact that the regress in maternal death at the global level cannot be taken for granted to fail to take mitigating actions in responding to alarming maternal and child mortality figures in Liberia.
This appeal from LIWOMAC is premised on the fact that Liberia women are excluded from national opportunities and must be propped up to contribute to the development agenda of the incoming government.