By: Oretha Bundoo Seh
The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia has embarked on a proactive awareness and sensitization Campaign Against Drug And Substance Abuse as well as domestice violenece across the Country.
Under the theme: Breaking the chain, the awareness organized by AFELL brought together over fifty residents from the Township of West Point.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the First Vice President of AFELL Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley said the robust outreach exercise targeting women and children, youth among others is geared towards providing education on the effect of drugs and substance abuse which is mainly affecting the future leaders of Liberia.
The campaign which she stated will reach out to other communities is important because women are greatly feeling the pinch because, the end users of drugs are their children.
” We are conducting these outreach activities because drugs abuse also has connection to gender based violence which is concerning “, she told the participants.
Drug she stated has infiltrated the society and it is alarming as such, it is time to galvanize the necessary support from all actors and stakeholders in order to address the issuee holistically.
“We Need to act now and this is everybody’s business “, she re-emphasized.
Cllr. Kelley told the gathering that AFELL is committed to the national campaign and will continue in such direction for the betterment of the society.
Cllr. Kelley also used the ocassion to pledged AFELL’s support for the planned August 7, National March against drugs abuse across the Country, something she indicated is also part of ongoing efforts to fight the manace practically.
She used the ocassion to discourage young people to desist from abusing drugs and other harmful substances which are destroying their future.
The interactive session which was well attended saw active participations from the young people including women and the elderly engaging the facilitors on the various key topics namely; understanding gender based violence and its impact on individuals and communities, such session was conducted by Cllr. Sundaiway Nelson Amegashie, Secretary General of AFELL who among other things warned the participants to refrain from domestic violence issues.
” Respect each other and use the law to address rape and other issues in your community “, she added.
At the same time, Rev. Chinnie M. Sieh, Registered Nurse and Co. Founder of Home of Dignity speaking on the intersectionality of drugs abuse, gender based violence and the risk of sexually transmitted infection emphasized the risk associated with drugs and substance which is gradually destroying the future leaders of Liberia.
She cautioned the young people not to see selling or abusing drugs as an option but to seek preventive measures which will help the increasing wave across the Country.
Madam Sieh at the same time call for stronger laws and proactive enforcement mechanisms in order to win the war against drugs and substance abuse from the Country.
Additionally, Atty. Christina Ploe Doe informed the participants of AFELL’s ongoing legal awareness on the right of victims and survivors of gender based violence and access to its legal aid clinic.
In an appreciation statement, the Head of the West Women for Health and Development, Nelly Cooper thanked AFELL for such educative and eye opener initiative for her members including residents of West Point in general.
She assured AFELL that they will serve as ambassadors to spread the message against drugs abuse and also discouraging others from domestic related violence which are harmful to the society.
Meanwhile, the one day intensive outreach campaign organized by AFELL in collaboration with the Clooney Foundation for Justice/ Wagging Justice for Women Fellowship program was held under the theme: Breaking the chain and is expected to be roll out to other communities.
