Earlier on Thursday, April 4, 2024, British Ambassador accredited to Liberia, Neil Bradley, paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie.
During the visit, Gender Minister Horace-Kollie lauded Amb. Neil Bradley for the British Government’s support to Liberia’s overall development, particularly Women and Girls Empowerment, but quickly pleaded for an increased support towards the ministry’s social protection programs. At the same time, she recommended the need to redesign the FGM’s strategy, focusing more on the message and the messengers.
The Minister further discussed that the situation of Children Living in the Streets in Liberia as priority No. #1. She noted that a proposal seeking to address the Street Children’s situation would be shared with the UK Embassy for possible support.
In response, Amb. Bradley outlined previous support to the Ministry in specific areas like the Keep Girls in School and School Feeling program, the SRHR Girls Club program in schools, Power Nutrition to malnourish children supported through UNICEF, and support to FGM alternative livelihood. Amb. Bradley reaffirmed the British Government’s support to the Ministry of Gender and promised to direct support to programs that the Minister and Team are prioritizing.
He further disclosed that five hundred million pounds is being raised to support the Forest Management program, which according to him, will empower smallholder farmers, particularly women.