Just 2 Months To Presidential And Legislative Elections In Liberia
PHOTO: Participants at the violence against women forum
ORWOCH, Organization for Women and Children has held A one-day information session with members of Women and Children Protection Service on Violence against Women in Politics has taken place in Monrovia.
The program was held with support from the Peace-building Fund through UN Women Liberia in partnership with UNDP.
Speaking at the start of the information session, Program Associate, Ms. Marthaline Boimah said the purpose of this information session is to equip security sector experts with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and implement the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Violence Against Women in Politics.
She said it is to also ensure that the police, especially the those with the responsibility to protect women and other disadvantaged groups exercising their political rights, understand their role.
Ms. Boamah noted that it was important that protection persons especially in Montserrado familiarize themselves with the SOP which outlines how, where, and by whom legal aid will be provided to women and disadvantaged candidates facing violence during elections.
According to her, it is also their roles within the referral pathway for the provision of legal services to access justice.
Atty. Facia Boyenohn Harris, the United States 2022 Woman of Courage Award winner, took the officers through various concepts as well as discussing obstacles women faced with access to justice.
Atty Facia Harris during her presentation
She underscored the critical role the police played in women’s and disadvantaged groups access to justice.
Madam Susie Telleh, Chief of WACPS/LNP thanked ORWOCH for working along with WACPS and also for the training.
She recommended deeper and continuing engagement to ensure the police more information on the SOP.