(Monrovia, Liberia, December 3, 2024)– The Ministry of Health (MOH), through its Gender and Social Inclusion Unit (GSIU) and in collaboration with partners including UN Women, Last Mile Health, and the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, celebrated the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a vibrant jamboree aimed at mobilizing total male involvement in the fight against violence toward women. The event lured a commitment to promoting gender justice, social inclusion, and a safe and supportive workplace within the ministry. Speaking on behalf of MOH, Yassah Nupolu Lavelah, Deputy Coordinator of the Ministry’s Delivery Unit, stressed the need for the ministry’s dedication to building a violence-free society for women and girls.

“It is an honor to discuss a topic that lies at the heart of creating a society free from violence against women and girls. Minister Louise M. Kpoto and Deputy Minister for Administration Martha C. Morris are staunch advocates for women’s and girls’ rights, health, and education, and their commitment inspires this initiative,” Ms. Yassah remarked. Reflecting on the themes of the campaign, Ms. Yassah added: “The international theme, ‘Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,’ and our local theme, ‘Let’s Join Hands to End Violence Against Women: From Talk to Action,’ both highlight the urgency of strengthening accountability and taking meaningful actions to eliminate violence against women and girls.” Separate speakers including the Director of the Gender and Social Inclusion Unit of the Ministry,  Quitina Cooper-Davis made several speeches.

Cooper called for male collaboration in combating gender-based violence. “The GSIU owes no apologies for advocating male involvement in ending violence against women because we firmly believe that in union strong, success is sure,” she stated. She also addressed the symbolic importance of the campaign: “The color orange represents outrage at violence and hope for a brighter future. It is our hope that this color will transcend this room, radiating throughout the 16 days and across the Ministry of Health, symbolizing our unity and commitment to this cause.” The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that provides individuals and organizations with an opportunity to amplify efforts to end violence against women and girls in all spaces—private, public, workplace, and online. This annual campaign seeks to raise awareness of the devastating impact of violence and abuse on women and children. The Ministry of Health, along with its partners, called on all stakeholders—especially men—to move beyond dialogue and take concrete steps to eliminate violence against women, ensuring a safe and inclusive society for all.