Monrovia – World Bank Liberia Country Manager Georgia Wallen has expressed optimism about the ongoing five-day Gender Responsive and Participatory Budgeting (GRPB) training, emphasizing that its dividends could positively impact Liberia for years to come. She credited the Ministries of Gender and Finance and Development Planning for their leadership in making this vision achievable.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop in Monrovia on Monday, November 18, 2024, Madam Wallen highlighted the importance of broader government coordination as a driving force for the initiative’s success.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is conducting the training, which runs from November 18 to 22, for staff from Gender and Social Inclusion Units (GSIUs) and various divisions within 108 government spending entities.
Implemented under Component 4 of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), this initiative aims to enhance participants’ capacity for gender-based analysis (GBA) and equitable evaluation of resources, including financial investments, time, and labor.
“This week’s training is a significant step toward achieving governance that serves the needs and interests of the Liberian people—particularly women and girls,” Madam Wallen remarked. “We recognize the central role of women’s empowerment in the Government of Liberia’s new ARREST agenda.”
She emphasized the importance of vision, collaboration, and learning as key motivations behind the workshop and underscored the need for Liberia to make strategic investments in the ambitious ARREST agenda, even amid fiscal constraints.
Collaboration, she noted, is vital for effectiveness. “Strong government leadership and coordination are essential for this agenda. We are pleased to see the collaboration between the Ministry of Gender and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning’s budget department,” she added.
Madam Wallen urged Liberia to serve as an example for other nations through commitment, dedication, and collaboration, drawing inspiration from successful efforts worldwide.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection Gbeme Horace-Kollie, Deputy Minister for Administration Frederick S. Cooper encouraged participants to take the training seriously and apply their knowledge in their respective institutions.
Minister Cooper praised the World Bank for its continuous support to the Liberian government, particularly through the US$44.6 million LWEP. “On behalf of the minister, I extend gratitude to the World Bank Country Manager for the invaluable support, especially under Component 4 of this project,” he said.
He urged participants to demonstrate commitment and ensure the impact of the training is felt across government institutions, expressing hope for positive outcomes from the workshop.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Health, Martha Morris, emphasized the importance of gender mainstreaming, highlighting the Ministry’s strong support for its Gender and Social Inclusion Unit (GSIU).
“Health is everyone’s business, but women are the key drivers because they are excellent managers and leaders,” she stated. She further noted that policies, programs, and budgets must be designed to benefit everyone equally.
Minister Morris called for male involvement in the quest for equality, social justice, and empowerment. “The efforts of all individuals, regardless of gender, physical abilities, religion, culture, or political status, are crucial to achieving these goals,” she concluded.
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