Violence Against Women
Source: The News
The visiting Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation has said violence against Liberian women and girls must stop. Madam Isabela Lovren said Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) against women and girls is a huge challenge that must be addressed by the Liberian government and partners.
She said continuous violence perpetrated against women and girls especially rape is unacceptable.
Madam Lovren made the statement Wednesday after touring two SGBV one stop shop centers in Paynesville, outside of Monrovia.
She said her government considers gender equality critical to the growth and development of any nation.
Lovren said it is time for the Liberian Government and partners to strategize on how to prevent sexual and gender based violence against women and girls.
The Swedish Minister expressed shock saying unlike her country, Liberia does not have any law to punish men who rape or abuse their wives.
However, she acknowledged that Liberia has made significant progress in addressing sexual and gender based violence, but said much remains to be done if SGBV must be eradicated.
She stressed the need for men to get involved in the campaign against SBGV and assured of her government's continuous support to the fight.
Earlier, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-Liberia Officer-in-Charge Dr. Oluremi Sogunro said his institution is working with the government and other partners to address cases of SBGV.
He said efforts are underway to take the campaign to the communities to engage the people on what can be done to address SBGV.
Dr. Sogunro disclosed that during the peak of the Ebola outbreak in Liberia, rape cases increased, something he believes is rooted in the family adding that emphasis must be placed in communities interaction to curtail the act.