LIBERIA: Oxfam Delegation Visits Monrovia
..Holds Round Table Discussion, Session with UL Students, others – By: WASH R&E “Media” Network – Oxfam Pan African Program Delegation headed by the Director of programme, Janah Ncube has ended a 3-day visit to Liberia’s Capital, Monrovia.
University of Liberia Students and others at Palaver Hut discussion during the visit of Oxfam Pan African Programme Delegation
The delegation from February 8-10, held round table discussion and Session with University of Liberia students and others on issues AU 2063 vision for Africa, with emphasis on the rights of African Women and Girls.
Staff of Oxfam Liberia and the Head of Pan African Program, Janah Ncube at the University of Liberia during palaver hut discussion
The delegation mission to Liberia was to discuss the Maputu Protocol, specifically on women and girls rights, and how it is been implemented in Liberia.
The team also looked at how the Protocol has gone through the National Legislature, ensuring that it is enacted.
The Oxfam Pan African Programme team also discussed the role of the government in domesticating the Protocol nationally.
According to Oxfam Pan Africa Programme Director, Janah Ncube, stake holders play a major role min engaging government indiscussing surrounding women and children rights in Liberia.
AU Representative, Prosper Addo making remarks at the round table discussion in Monrovia
She said women issues are part of a continental vision African Leaders have for the continent which is vision 2063.
Some of the participants at Round Table Talk at the Gender Ministry
Madam Ncube said the vision covers all aspects of development, progress and the development goals of the continent of Africa.
Also speaking at the round table forum held at the Ministry of Gender, Children & social Protection, the Head of Oxfam Pan African Programme Gender and Justice, Brenda Muturi said gender inequality and the injustices against women that women experience in their everyday are key drivers of poverty.
She said far and above the undeniable and immeasurable contribution that African women can make towards the future growth and development of Africa, women’s rights are human rights and must not be denied.
Madam Muturi noted that Oxfam as an organization has a dedicated Program which is aimed at addressing women issues globally.
She said organization seeks equal rights and treatment for both women and men.
Some of the participants at Round Table Talk at the Gender Ministry
For her part, the Director of Women Empowerment at the Gender Ministry, Parleh Harris disclosed that her Ministry has been working with several women groups to ensure that rights of women and children are protected in Liberia.
She revealed that the Ministry has a program aimed at giving women voices and providing a level of space for women in the National Legislature.
Madam Harris commended Oxfam for its engagement, calling for more awareness through the media on the Maputu Protocols for women in Liberia to be informed about their rights.
Making remarks, AU Representative, Prosper Addo stressed the need for more of such interaction to be conducted in Liberia.
High Table from Left to right: Brenda Muturi-Pan African Gender Justice, Janah Ncub-Pan African Programme Director, Parleh Harris-Gender Ministry Director of Women Empowerment, & AU Representative-Prosper Addo
He said with such an interaction, the messages regarding women and girls rights which are enshrined in the Maputu Protocol will be highlighted in the country.
The delegation also visited the University of Liberia where issues surrounding the AU 2063 vision was discussed in line with women rights.
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, also known as the Maputo Protocol comprehensively addresses issues that affect and impede African women and girls access to their fundamental rights.
The program at the University of Liberia, brought together Student Leaders, Students from Political Science, International relations, Social sciences, Law and Some lecturers.
