The Rural Integrated Center for Community Empowerment (RICCE) has extolled the United Nations’ Gender Division for the recognition of its advocacy and work against Gender and Sexual-Based Violence (SGBV) and its overall contribution to women and girls’ empowerment at the rural community level. RICCE was among several Civil Society organizations recently honored by the UN’s Gender Theme Group Certification program, held in Monrovia on December 6, 2023, for its outstanding work over the years.
Through its community engagement programs, RICCE has demonstrated exceptional and significant commitment to the empowerment of women and girls, as a viable tool in the fight against gender and sexual-based violence in a society like Liberia, that is fraught with widespread abuse of women and girls’ rights. RICCE’s work has been successful based on the support and collaborative efforts of the United Nations Office of Gender in Liberia.
In a statement issued Monday December 11, 2023, the Executive Director of the organization, Madam Salome G. Gofan said “RICCE feels honored by this gesture, which further reinforces and invigorates RICCE’s focus and vigilance in working to promote the rights of women and girls.” “Women’s rights are human rights, and it should therefore be protected and respected by all, especially predatory men and women who seek the slightest opportunity to take advantage of the vulnerability of women and girls. RICCE does not take this honor and recognition lightly. This singular action of the UN Gender Theme Group will go a long way in captivating and increasing the morale of RICCE, its committed staff and field workers. RICCE has done some amazing work in empowering rural communities’ women and girls in the fight against SGBV, something which is a part of the core program pillars for the organization,” Madam Gofan further said in the statement:
“We reaffirm our pledge and commitment to advocating for a safe society/world, where women and girls’ rights are protected and free from all forms of violence and intimidation to live their full potentials. RICCE work is driven by passion. That is why RICCE goes to tough terrains, where others dare not go, to advocate for women and girls’ rights, gender equality and inclusion, as well as, policy change to create opportunities geared towards ending all forms of Violence against Women and Girls,” Madam Gibson added.
Madam Gofan says RICCE will continue to look forward to working/partnering with the UN family and other partners to invest all that is possible and available to prevent all forms of violence against women and girls in Liberia. Together, we can indeed build a world that refuses to tolerate violence against women and girls everywhere.
