UN Envoy stresses importance of women’s
participation in society; emphasizes need for secure environment
for investment
27 April 2007 (UNMIL)– The UN Envoy in
Liberia, Alan Doss, joined by Margibi County Superintendent, Levi
Piah, on Thursday commissioned the newly-constructed Women’s
Skills Training Centre, at the Open Society Initiative for West
Africa (OSIWA) Village, about 12 kilometers outside Monrovia.
Its construction was made possible through funding from UNMIL’s
Quick Impact Projects (QIP) programme.
“Experience around the world has shown
that when women participate fully in national societies, those
countries do much better,” said the Special Representative
of the Secretary-General (SRSG) as he stressed the importance
of women’s participation in society. He added, “We
have to ensure that that the women of Liberia have the training
and skills to make the most of their abilities.” The SRSG
cited President Johnson Sirleaf as a role model for women, underscoring
the difference she was making in Liberian society.
OSIWA Liberia Program Officer, Mr. Joe Pemagbi,
in his remarks, noted that discrimination against women was a
challenge. “But the trend is gradually changing in Liberia
since the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf-led Government came into being
with so many women in key positions in this country,” he
observed. Also present at the ceremony were UNMIL’s Senior
Gender Advisor, Mrs. Joana Foster, and Deputy Education Minister
of Liberia, Ms. Hawah Goll-Kotchi. The OSIWA Village Women Skills
Training Centre is run by Women Aid, Inc., a local non-governmental
organization, and offers skills training, adult literacy and accelerated
learning programmes for women. It also provides temporary shelter
for abused women.
At a separate event later in the day, the UN
Envoy handed over a newly-rehabilitated police station to the
authorities in Salala, Bong County, to be used by the Liberia
National Police (LNP) as a district headquarters.
During the ceremony, which was also attended
by Liberia’s Inspector-General of Police Beatrice Munah
Sieh, Mr. Doss emphasized the need for a secure national environment
to attract and retain investment in Liberia. “A good police
force is necessary for economic development,” he added.
Mr. Doss announced that UNMIL’s target
for the recruitment and training of 3,500 police should be reached
by July, but he acknowledged that equipment and other resources
were needed for a more effective police presence across all of
Liberia. The Salala Police Station was also renovated with QIP
funding and furniture was donated by UNMIL’s Gambian police
contingent based in the area.
The local traditional leaders also took the opportunity
during the vibrant ceremony to gown Mr. Doss and the LNP Inspector-General.
The Bong County Superintendent, Ranney Jackson was present at
the ceremony together with local dignitaries.
The SRSG also used the opportunity to visit the
nearby medical outreach clinic operated by the Bangladeshi military
contingent, BANBATT 13, which treats residents in the area.
From:http://unmil.org/article.asp?id=2173
PeaceWomen 