ADNews-Monrovia: On Thursday, December 6, 2024, ActionAid Liberia (AAL) commemorated the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with an Inclusive Wellness Fair in collaboration with the Community of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD). The event, held at the School for the Deaf in Mango Town, Brewerville Township, outside Monrovia, brought together a diverse group of individuals, including the visually impaired, hearing impaired, and physically challenged.
A Call for Inclusion and Action
The theme, “Empowering Minds and Bodies: Inclusive Wellness for a Violence-Free Future,” resonated with both national and global campaigns to end gender-based violence. The national theme, “From Talk to Action! Let’s Join Hands to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” complemented the global call to “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Willet Salue who delivered the opening remarks on behalf of AAL’s Country Director Madam Elizabeth Gbah Johnson, emphasized ActionAid Liberia’s unwavering commitment to empowering PLWD. She reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to strengthening their life skills, fostering inclusion, and building a society where no one is left behind.
“We are committed to creating platforms for PLWD to realize their potential, make sustainable choices, and lead fulfilling lives,” she stated, underscoring ActionAid’s mission to uphold dignity, equity, and justice.
The event also welcomed Ambassador Daintowon Domah Pay-Bayee, Liberia’s leading advocate for disability rights and gender equality. In her keynote address, she highlighted systemic challenges faced by PLWD, including limited accessibility to government and private offices and insufficient funding for their empowerment. With 78 registered PLWD organizations but only 18 dedicated homes, she called for urgent government action under the ARREST agenda to close this gap.
She also stressed the disproportionate impact of climate crises on PLWD, citing limited mobility, inaccessible infrastructure, and inadequate communication systems as barriers. “During emergencies, these systemic inequalities deny PLWD their right to safety, security, and dignity,” she said, describing climate inaction as a form of violence against vulnerable populations.
A Unified Vision for Change
This call to action was echoed by Chrismoriah, PLWD Climate Justice Champion and member of Global Platform Liberia. Through her spoken word, she advocated for gender-responsive public services and equitable resource allocation to address the exclusion of PLWD, particularly during climate crises. Her emphasis on inclusive climate planning and gender budgeting aligns with ActionAid Liberia’s CSP III priorities of promoting climate justice and building humanitarian resilience.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Representatives from the Gender, Justice, and Health ministries reaffirmed their commitment to ending GBV and creating a safer Liberia. The Brewerville Police Station’s Women and Children Protection Program Officer pledged to contribute to this vision by ensuring accountability and safety for all citizens.
Following the speeches, participants marched to the nearby RCD Marshall Clinic, where Assistant Officer in Charge Helena Sackie introduced free services for survivors of gender-based violence. She encouraged PLWD to access these services, ensuring continuous care and support.
The event concluded with interactive knowledge-sharing sessions where stakeholders exchanged insights on addressing challenges faced by PLWD. Participants who actively engaged received 16 Days of Activism T-shirts, symbolizing solidarity and empowerment.
Alignment with ActionAid Liberia’s CSP III Key Priorities
1.Women’s Rights and Economic Justice
The event addressed systemic violence and discrimination against women and girls with disabilities, aligning with the priority to advance gender equity and economic justice. By empowering PLWD, especially women, the event reflects ActionAid Liberia’s commitment to eliminating inequalities and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
2. Democratic Governance and Accountability
Ambassador Pay-Bayee’s challenge to the government underscored the need for accountability in resource allocation and accessibility. The event’s advocacy for increased government support and inclusive governance aligns with CSP III’s goal of promoting transparency and responsiveness to marginalized communities.
2.Climate Justice and Humanitarian Resilience
The focus on PLWD during climate crises highlights the need for inclusive disaster preparedness and climate action. Advocating for gender-responsive public services and equitable climate interventions reflects CSP III’s aim to build resilient communities that prioritize vulnerable populations.
Empowering a Violence-Free Future
This Inclusive Wellness Fair demonstrated ActionAid Liberia’s commitment to creating a society where every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive. By aligning the event with its Country Strategy Paper III priorities, AAL reaffirmed its mission to advance women’s rights, promote good governance, and champion climate justice in the pursuit of a violence-free future.
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