PHOTO: Milena Harizanova of UNICEF
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia- The United Nations women and association with the female journalist Association of Liberia (FeJAL) has held a one-day workshop for more than 20 journalists aimed at promoting gender equality in the country.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop recently, the chief child protection/OIC deputy representative UNICEF, Milena Harizanova said the workshop was being held to enhance the knowledge of media practitioners in Liberia in promoting gender equality and sustainable development.
This is in line with the Theme for this year’s International Women day, Gender equality today for sustainable tomorrow and the National theme, break the barriers, set the stage for gender equality, she said.
According to her, the UN women recognizes the pivotal role of the media in shaping people’s opinions and perceptions.
Madam Harizanova added that the media also plays important role in helping people to construct their identities social norms and values in relation to gender.
“We realized that media are important stakeholders in promoting gender equality and we are therefore gathered here today to set the stage for gender equality and break all barriers that hinder promotion and achievements of gender equality in Liberia”.
Gender equality is goal five of the its sustainable development goals established by the United Nations in 2005 as part of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. While gender equality is captured as a stand-alone goal, it cuts across all the SDGs and gender considerations must be included in all sustainable development work. Gender equality can enable and even accelerate the achievements of the UN sustainable development goal, she added.
The chief child protection of UNICEF revealed that research has shown that media sometimes tend to perpetuate gender equality through their portrayals of men and women in the media.
“From a young age, children are influenced by their gender stereotypes that the media present to them. As they grow, they continue to hold certain beliefs inculcated in them by the media and they are therefore appealing to the media to change the stereotypes and help the government of Liberia and all stakeholders to achieve gender equality we all know that sustainable development cannot be achieved without gender equality,” Madam Harizanova said.
She further said that the theme for International women’s day also recognizes the contribution of women and girls around the world who are leading the change on climate change adaptation, mitigation and response to build a more sustainable future for all.
Women are more vulnerable to climate change impact than men, as they constricted the majority of the world’s poor and more development on the natural resources which climate change threatens the most.
However, women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change makers for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
For her part, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Williametta E. Saydee Tarr commanded the UN women for their commitment to support their programs.
Minister Saydee arr said in order to promote gender equality, they opened various social media platforms including news report to discuss issues affecting women, girls and men.
Min. Saydee Tarr
She however dismissed speculations that the Ministry is involved with selected advocacy or Justice.
But she revealed that once she hears a case against women or girls, she always applied her high earn efforts unless it beyond her control after doing all that she can.
The only way she won’t be involved into it, it doesn’t come to her attention.
Minister Tarr commanded FeJAL and urged women to take leadership at various institutions whether private or public.
She informed the gathering that her Ministry will always give information to media when needed.
As to the issue of increase in rape case, Minister Tarr said there is a decrease in rape cases and the reason why people saying that we have increase in rape cases is that people are now reporting it instead being silent.
“We at gender ministry are focusing on how to prevent SGBV cases which should start from our own homes, community and workplaces. Even though we can’t eradicate rape cases one hundred percent but by preventing it, can to help eliminate,” Minister Saydee Tarr added.
According to her, the media has made tremendous efforts in promoting gender equality and most often societal norms has been one of those factors holding women back.
Meanwhile, the Gender Minister has called on men journalists to stop harassing female journalists at their various news rooms.
Following her presentation, several presentations were made various presenters on different topics to give media praise clearer understanding in promoting gender equality.