“As women were an integral part in securing peace for the country in 2003, your role must now be more viable in building confidence and trust in the security sector and supporting women survivors of sexual and gender based-violence,” she added.
 
Speaking at programs marking International Women’s Day at the Gender Ministry Monday, Barnes stressed that women are essential in promoting equal access to justice and the rule of law.
 
She emphasized that as UNMIL prepares to withdraw its troops, women in the security sector must increasingly prioritize peace and security as part of the country’s development agenda.
 
Also speaking at the program, the Director of the Women’s Empowerment Unit at the Gender Ministry, Parleh Harris, indicated that sexual and gender-based violence as well as inequality still remain a major problem for women.
 
Harris therefore wants women to become more proactive in educating their colleagues and protecting survivors of the Ebola virus against stigmatization and discrimination.
LINA