As part of ongoing efforts to mainstream gender in the ARREST Agenda, a separate team from the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is currently visiting five counties: Bomi, Gbarpolu, Cape Mount, Bong and Lofa.
Their mission is to gather crucial information for the development of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at ensuring comprehensive and equitable growth across all sectors.
The team, composed of technicians and the Deputy Minister of Research, Policy, and Planning, Curtis V. Dorley, embarked on this journey with a clear objective to listen, learn, and integrate the diverse voices of the community into the country’s development agenda. Their travels took them through lush landscapes, vibrant cities, and remote villages, each stop offering new insights and perspectives.
In Bomi and Gbarpolu Counties, the consultations began with a warm welcome from local leaders and community members. The team organized focus groups, where women, men, and children shared their experiences and challenges. Stories of resilience and innovation emerged, highlighting the critical need for gender issues to be addressed as a central pillar of development. The team noted the pressing concerns regarding access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, particularly for women and girls.
Cape Mount County presented its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. The team engaged with stakeholders from diverse sectors and entrepreneurs in bustling marketplaces as well as administrators. Each interaction reinforced the importance of gender mainstreaming in all sectors. Women in Cape Mount spoke passionately about the need for better support in agriculture and small business development, while men emphasized the importance of inclusive policies that would benefit the entire community.
In Bong and Lofa Counties, the consultations took on a deeply personal tone. The team, led by Deputy Minister Dorley, held town hall discussions where they heard firsthand accounts of the impact of gender disparities. The strength and determination of the people of Lofa were evident, as was their eagerness for change. The team gathered valuable inputs on how to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The Ministry’s team worked tirelessly alongside local authorities to ensure that the voices of all community members are heard and integrated into national development. They also held interactive discussions with local leaders on the importance of gender equality and the benefits of inclusive development. The data and insights gathered from these consultations are meticulously documented, forming a key component of the ARREST Agenda.
The ongoing consultations in the counties is being facilitated by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP).
As the consultations draw to a close, the team reflects on the rich tapestry of experiences and ideas they have encountered. The development of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development is an ongoing process. However, the Ministry is committed to ensuring that gender issues are not only mainstreamed in all sectors but also recognized as a standalone pillar of development.
The journey through Bomi, Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Bong and Lofa counties represents more than just a series of consultations; it is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of inclusive development. The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has taken a significant step forward, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.n and a wealth of knowledge, the team returned to the Ministry, ready to transform the insights gained into actionable strategies that would drive inclusive development and gender equality across the nation. The story of their journey would inspire others, serving as a beacon of hope and progress for generations to come.
