With UN Women Support, MIA Launches Gender, Social Inclusion Policy Five Years Action Plan

By Ezekiel Geeplay

MONROVIA, Nov 21, 2024 – With support from UN women country office in Liberia, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has for the first time launched its Gender, Social Inclusion Policy and Five Years Action Plan in Monrovia at an elaborate event which took place on Thursday, November 20, 2024.

Providing the broad overview of the launched initiative, MIA’s Director of Gender and Social Inclusion Madam Cecelia J. Gould said the event marks a significant movement in  a collective journey towards a more inclusive, equitable and just in society.

The launch according to her symbolizes, not only the continuation of a vision for gender equality, but also the commitment of the current government to see it being practically realized. The overall goal and mission is to mainstream gender equality in the implementation of gender and social evolution as a policy.

“This policy as you know, is an outcome of several years of development; beginning in honor of the previous government and administration and is emerging out of their ongoing national gender initiative,” she said.

Madam Gould said the national gender policy is not only merely a document, adding “It is the envelope of years of collaboration research for our sites that reflects the voices and the needs of our communities especially women and marginalized people,” she further explained.

The MIA Gender and Social Inclusion Director said the National Gender Policy (MGP) has been a longstanding initiative supported by multiple stakeholders, including government, Civil Society, International Partners intended for a robust General policy framework.

Today, it is with great pride that we honor, the current administration for this great occasion today; beaconing the implementation of this very important policy. The launch of this gender and social policy is aimed to fulfilling the promise made on the NGP,” she narrated.

Director Gould said the Gender and social inclusion policy, reflects a holistic approach to addressing gender, equalities and social disparity across all sectors of the society, adding that the event is not simply the formal introduction of a policy, but is the beginning of a critical phase of implementing that which has been developed.

She continued, “With a deep understanding of Liberia’s, social political and economic landscape the policy will now be put into action, this is where the real work begins.”

The Gender Ministry boss emphasized that the  launch serve as a call to action, a call for all citizens, whether as government officials, community leaders or ordinary citizens to step forward and take ownership of this agenda.

“Social inclusion policy provides the framework for a series of initiative that is designed to empower and uplift marginalized population, eliminate gender based violence, promote women’s economic empowerment, ensure equal access to education, health Care, and foster an environment of inclusion at all levels of the society” he said.

Meanwhile, Internal Affairs Deputy Minister for Research and Development Planning; Edward K. Mulbah underscored the need for strong collaboration, adding that gender social inclusion is everybody business.

For her part, UN Women Deputy Country Representatives Yemi Falayajo congratulated the Ministry of internal affairs and promised UN women continued support to gender social inclusion policy.

Said Ms. Falayajo,”We are willing to work very closely with the ministry of internal affairs and we want to congratulate you on the great steps taken”.

The UN Women Deputy Country Representatives described the launched initiative as a bold move, clearly stating; it demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment in promoting Gender Social Inclusion in Liberia.

The launch exercise was witnessed by national and international organizations, government ministries and agencies including the media and was held at a local hotel in Monrovia with support from UN women Liberia office.