The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, under the leadership of Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie, recently convened and chaired a pivotal Steering Committee meeting for the Liberia National Spotlight Initiative 2.0.
This groundbreaking partnership initiative between the Government of Liberia, the European Union, and the United Nations, is dedicated to eradicating violence against women and girls in Liberia. The meeting brought together representatives from development partners, civil society actors, and key representatives from line government ministries. It served as a platform to enhance collaborative efforts, refine strategies, and reaffirm the shared commitment of all stakeholders to foster a safer and more equitable environment for women and girls across the nation.
Hon. Kollie emphasized the critical importance of addressing gender-based violence, stating that the Spotlight Initiative represents a transformative opportunity to implement sustainable programs and policies that protect the rights of women and girls while empowering them to thrive.
The Steering Committee discussed key priorities, including strengthening community-based prevention mechanisms, improving access to justice for survivors, and fostering behavioral change through awareness and education. These efforts align with the broader goal of achieving gender equality and eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.
The inclusion of a diverse group of stakeholders reflects the collaborative approach needed to address the complex challenges of gender-based violence. Through the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, the government and its partners are committed to making a substantial impact in the fight against gender-based violence, ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind in Liberia’s development journey.
The National Spotlight Initiative 2.0 is the iteration of the Spotlight Initiative 1.0, a global partnership between the Government of Liberia, European Union and the United Nations aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. This level of the signifies an enhanced or extended version of the original initiative, potentially incorporating new strategies, programs, or areas of focus based on lessons learned and achievements from the first phase. It emphasizes sustained commitment and expanded efforts to address gender-based violence and promote gender equality globally.
Signed:
Communications Unit
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
