By: Julius Konton
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai disclosed his government commitment to inclusive development.
Speaking at the fourth world conference on women, President Boakai said Liberia sees this anniversary not as a ceremonial occasion but as an urgent call to action.
The Liberian leader disclosed that as part of said drive his government will invest US$8.3 billion over five years to transform lives, with gender equality, youth empowerment, education, health care, and social development at the heart of our priorities.
“Under my leadership, Liberia is determined to move from pledges to results”, he re-emphasized.
Liberia he told the delegates is proud to stand among the first Member States leading on two important Action Agendas, namely; Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, and Investing in Young People, Girls, and Future Generations.
Unveiling his government commitment in said endeavor he also pledge his administration’s zero tolerance for gender based violence, with massive awareness and public education programs, and with dedicated budget allocations adding that he will permanently ban harmful cultural practices.
“What was once a three-year moratorium will now become national law, supported by nationwide dialogues and alternative livelihood programs”, he noted
At the same time he stated that his government will implement a National Action Plan for Young Women and Girls to provide a roadmap for empowerment, voice, and protection.
An African proverb reminds us: ‘When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.’ Similarly, when women are fully empowered and supported, entire nations thrive, he added.
President Boakai stressed that as Liberia embarks on its two-year term on the United Nations Security Council, his administration will ensure that the voices of women and youth are not only heard but also shape the Women and youth Peace and Security agenda.
Providing further details he disclsosed that some of the programs are already changing lives.
According to him, The Liberia Women Empowerment Project is reaching 36,000 businesswomen across 6 counties, impacting more than 260,000 Liberians through increased income, resilience, and growth.
Moreover, The REALISE Project, he indicated is also supporting 53,650 vulnerable households, with direct cash transfers to 16,000 families, mainly women-headed households, and business assistance to over 4,450 individuals, 80 percent of them women.
“Projects like Nurture, Empower, and Protect (NEP) and Accelerating Impact for Young Women have already equipped nearly 25,000 adolescent girls and young women with essential health knowledge, entrepreneurship skills, and life skills. By 2031, more than 160,000 young women are expected to benefit”, he noted.
The Liberian leader used the ocassion to reaffirm Libeeia’s commitment to work with Africa and the global community to make Beijing+30 a reality, for this generation and the next.
He spoke at the eightieth session of the General Assembly, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 79/288 under the theme of recommitting to resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
