Monrovia: UN Women Liberia Representative Marie Goreth Nzigama recently urged the Liberian government to appoint more qualified women to senior level positions to enable effective contribute to policy-making decisions.
Ms. Nzigama spoke at the Ministry of National Defense during a consultative workshop organized as a part of the process of developing the Second Phase of Liberia National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security by Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The Consultative Workshop was the final in a series of workshops that have been taking place since mid-November 2018. The process has already consulted with 259 individuals (102 women and 57 men) representing the government, civil society and development partners.
The UN Security Council Resolution 1325, localized by Liberia in 2008, underscores the impact that conflict had on women and girls and highlights the importance of ensuring their inclusion in processes affecting peace and security. The goals of 1325 will not be achieved if women are not part of the process, she said.
“The undertaking of this process is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection alone,’’ she said. “Promoting gender equality in the security sector should be a shared responsibility as stated in the Liberia Gender Policy.’’
Twenty-nine people (4 men, 25 women) representing civil society and government ministries and agencies attended the event. Ministries and agencies represented at the workshop included Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Finance Development and Planning, Liberia Land Authority, the Liberia Electricity Corporation and the Ministry of Education.
Defense Minister Daniel Ziankhan reiterated his ministry’s commitment to hiring and promoting women. He cited Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George, deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, as an indication of the government’s commitment to promoting women in the security sector.
“Geraldine has earned her stripes,’’ he said. ‘We encourage all women, not to feel sorry for them, but earn your spot. I would like to see 50 percent females in the Armed Forces of Liberia, but we have less than 10 percent.’’
