The former executive director of Development Education Network-Liberia (DEN-L) now consultant at the entity, Madam Dorothy Tormia, has raised alarm over continued violence against women in the country.
Speaking to the Liberia News Agency at the weekend in Gbarnga, Madam Tormia cited rape, domestic violence and marginalization as factors that constitute violence against women in society.
According to her, if Liberia’s public and private sectors should move ahead, there is need to introduce programs that will help to promote women initiatives, including micro-loans, academic and vocational training programs.
The DEN-L ex-executive underscored the need to incorporate women’s participation in national decision-making, beginning at the family and community levels, noting that this will help to achieve government’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development.
She described women marginalization as “leaving females out in terms of distribution of state power and resources and group development processes,” pointing out that if they form part of these processes it will yield fruits for society.
Meanwhile, Madam Tormia is encouraging organizations, including faith-based institutions, community groups and schools, to create more space for women to participate in decision-making, and not invest trust only in the males.
The DEN-L consultant noted that in many homes parents do not attach value to the activities of the girl child, noting that girls must be appreciated for what they do in order to motivate them as another avenue of empowerment.
She blamed violence against women on the “power and control” mentality where parents from the genesis give more opportunities to the boy child in the home, by limiting the chances of female to compete with their male counterparts.
In a related development, Madam Tormia wants the the community to create more opportunities for female inclusion into decision-making, adding that “leaving women out in society will negatively impact society.”
LINA
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