By Catherine K Conteh
MONROVIA, March 4 (LINA) – In a significant step toward creating a future free from violence and discrimination and strengthening gender-focused initiatives in Liberia, the United Nations (UN) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing gender-based violence and advancing women’s rights in Liberia.
Speaking at the signing ceremony of the Gender Spotlight and Support Measures Financing Agreement at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in Monrovia, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni underscored the UN’s pivotal role in fostering gender equality, emphasizing that the transition from Spotlight Initiative 1.0 to 2.0 is a testament to the sustained commitment of the UN and its partners.
“The UN family is privileged to be part of this partnership, ensuring that gender-based violence, harmful practices, and women’s rights remain at the forefront of national development,” Umutoni stated, adding, “this collaboration aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Liberia’s national priorities, creating safer communities for women and girls.”
She highlighted the UN’s multi-agency approach, with UN Women, UNDP, and UNFPA leading the implementation of the initiative, adding that their collective efforts will focus on policy advocacy, community engagement, and innovative prevention strategies to tackle gender-based violence and discrimination.
Reflecting on previous achievements under Spotlight 1.0, Umutoni praised transformative community-based interventions, such as alternative livelihood programs for former FGM practitioners in Socketown.
These programs, she noted, provide practical solutions while respecting cultural traditions.
“We must continue to protect women and girls by embracing progressive alternatives, initiation without mutilation is possible, and the UN will remain steadfast in promoting safe and dignified practices,” she said.
Umutoni also commended the strong coordination between the UN, the European Union (EU), and the Government of Liberia (GOL), recognizing their unwavering commitment to gender equality.
She reassured that the UN would continue working alongside national and local stakeholders to ensure long-term, sustainable progress.
“As a UN family, we stand united in this mission. We will ensure that every effort is community-centered and nationally owned, fostering an inclusive and equitable Liberia,” she concluded.
