Formally launching the ECOWAS GENDER Programs, including Obstetrics Fistula, Girls of Excellence Scholarship, Agricultural Fishery, Arts and Crafts, and Food Processing, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Madam Gbeme-Horace Kollie, expressed Liberia’s dedication to achieving the goals of these programs.
She emphasized the importance of national ownership and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the empowerment of underprivileged girls who will benefit from these programs.
Speaking to a gathering of government officials, Heads of ECOWAS Specialized Institutions, private sector representatives, and ordinary Liberians, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development & Social Affairs, Professor Fatou Sow-Sarr, commended the Liberian government for its consistent support in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, resulting in significant progress in reducing gender disparities.
Professor Fatou Sow-Sarr, a strong advocate for gender equality, highlighted the various programs initiated by the ECOWAS Gender Development Center (EGDC) to integrate gender issues, enhance analysis and research capabilities, establish information systems, engage in advocacy, promote partnerships, and facilitate political dialogues.
The ECOWAS Human Development and Social Affairs Commissioner reiterated the center’s efforts in providing medical and financial assistance to women and girls with obstetric fistula, offering scholarships to girls in specialized technical and vocational training, and supporting women in enhancing the quality and competitiveness of their agricultural products.
To strengthen the implementation of the ECOWAS Gender Development Center programs in Liberia, EGDC Director, Madam Sandra Oulate Fattoh, presented copies of the Policy Brief on the center’s flagship programs and a Symbolic Fistula Check of USD$250,000, surpassing previous years’ support.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).