Rights Foundation ends SGBV workshop

A week-long training in Sexual Gender Base Violence and conflict management organized by Rights Foundation has ended in Maryland County, Southeast Liberia bringing together 50 men and 50 women.

According to the state-run Liberia Broadcasting System or LBS, the essence of the exercise was to provide education to both men and women on how to work collaboratively in the home as a family rather than the male partner continuously disrespecting the woman.

Program Manager, Joseph Ballah said the training was supported by UN Women aimed at stopping Sexual Gender Base Violence in homes where in most instances, women are victimized by their husbands, posing serious threat to their safety.

Mr. Ballah says the act is regrettable, and that was one of the reasons why the exercise was organized to educate rural dwellers that such habit must not be condoned, because women play a major role in taking care of the home.

He said stressed men should see their wives as help mates or partners instead of beating on them or doing things to hurt them, adding “Women rights need to be respected in our society; we cannot continue to abuse them and then later referring to them as our wives.”

Meanwhile, participants have expressed gratitude to the local organization for such initiatives that provide them an opportunity to know their respective roles as women and men in the society. The report added that the participants also lauded the UN Women for giving support to the local organization, which enabled them to be educated on issues that affect them in their various communities, districts, and the country at large.

At the close of the exercise, authorities of the county resolved that anyone found fighting in the area will be fined 1000 Liberia Dollars for first offence, while any man or woman caught throwing insults at his or her partner will also be penalized. The participants have vowed to working together in maintaining peace, love and unity in the home.

By Lewis S. Teh-Editing by Jonathan Browne