Men Engage Group Conducts Stakeholder Engagements
By Abraham Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
In a significant move to address the pervasive issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Liberia, a group under the banner “Men Engage in Liberia” on Friday, December 6, 2024, successfully concluded a day-long stakeholder engagement involving traditional leaders, government officials, and Community representatives across Margibi and its environs.
The event is part of the internationally recognized “16 Days of Activism a campaign that aims to raise awareness and promote gender-based violence various artistic expressions and advocacy.
Hosted in a vibrant atmosphere that encouraged dialogue and collaboration, the engagement sought to mobilize diverse stakeholders including traditional leaders, and Community dwellers towards a unified approach to fighting SGBV in the Country. Stakeholders were invited to share insights, experiences, and strategies to strengthen the response to violence against women and girls.
Mr. Francis S. Konyon, Country Director of Men Engage said the meeting was structured to highlight the critical role that traditional leaders and government officials play in shaping societal norms and attitudes toward gender-based violence.
He added that Traditional leaders, who are highly respected in their communities, have the potential to influence behaviors and norms that contribute to the persistence of violence in Liberia stressing that Engaging them in discussions about gender equality and women’s rights is essential in transforming Community perceptions and behaviors.
“As part of the 16 days of Activism, Men Engage is holding a stockholder dialogue to engage traditional leaders about the norms of our society in Liberia” Mr. Konyan noted.
He furthered that government officials also play a crucial role in formulating policies and implementing programs that can address the root causes of SGBV across the Country.
The Country Representative of Men Engage said by fostering collaboration between these two key groups, the “Men Engage” initiative aims to create a multi-faceted approach that encompasses community-driven solutions alongside governmental support.
Francis S. Konyon stressed that the discussions centered around various themes, including the need for increased awareness of legal frameworks protecting women’s rights, community education on consent and healthy relationships, and the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the fight against SGBV.
Participants from various organizations emphasized that addressing SGBV requires not only protecting victims but also changing the behavior of perpetrators and society at large.
One of the notable outcomes of the engagement was the commitment from traditional leaders to take a more active role in addressing gender-based violence within their communities. They pledged to use their platforms to advocate for the protection of women’s rights and to challenge harmful cultural practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
“We as traditional leaders now know our rights and we will ensure that these rights are implemented” Mr. Edwin L. Nymah head clan chief of Wealmahqualleh in Margibi District#4 added.
Furthermore, government officials expressed readiness to enhance cooperation with civil society organizations and community leaders to ensure that legislative frameworks are effectively implemented and that resources are allocated to support SGBV prevention and response initiatives.
“We as government representatives are working with our traditional leaders to ensure that the implementation aspect of the SGBV”
The 16 Days of Activism campaign served as a backdrop for this engagement, highlighting the importance of innovative approaches in raising awareness about SGBV. Activism, which combines art and activism, has proven to be an effective means of mobilizing Communities and sparking conversations about sensitive issues. Through music, dance, visual art, and performance, the campaign encourages individuals to reflect on the impact of violence and to take collective action.
Participants at the stakeholder engagement were inspired to think creatively about how art can be used to engage wider audiences and to foster a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding gender-based violence.
As Liberia continues to confront the challenges of SGBV, the efforts of the “Men Engage” group and its partners are crucial in steering the nation towards a safer future for women and girls. The day-long engagement has set the stage for ongoing collaboration between traditional leaders and government officials and serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to end gender-based violence.
The need for sustained advocacy, education, and community involvement remains urgent. The support of local leaders and government representatives is vital in creating a protective environment for all individuals, ensuring that efforts to combat SGBV are not only effective but also culturally relevant and sustainable.
In conclusion, the stakeholder engagement initiative symbolizes a hopeful step forward in Liberia’s journey to combat sexual and gender-based violence, fostering a culture that promotes equality, respect, and safety for all. This momentum must be maintained and built upon, with continued support from all sectors of society.