By Patrick Stephen Tokpah
/Bong County
The Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection Coordinator for Bong County, Musu Mulbah, has revealed that the lack of mobility, stationery, and operational funds is seriously hindering the smooth operation and implementation of gender-related activities in the county.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) was created by Executive Instrument in January 2013 as a successor to the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs.
In an exclusive interview with journalists in Gbarnga, Bong County, she explained that the ongoing challenges are compromising the outreach efforts, awareness campaigns, and timely response to gender-based violence cases, especially in challenging communities in the County.
She believed that with support, the government will achieve gender equality, equity, and boost women and girls empowerment and as well promote the survival and development of children, and thus ensuring that their rights are protected.
Madam Mulbah said it will also ensure harmonizing social protection interventions to better target the vulnerable, excluded, and persons with disability and integrate fulfillment of their rights, empowerment, and full participation into national development
“Our work is crucial in promoting gender equality, protecting vulnerable groups, and addressing gender-based violence.
However, without transportation, basic supplies, and consistent operational funding, we are left with no choice,” she added.
She said although the Gender Office in Bong County is responsible for leading community engagement, reporting abuse cases, and coordinating support services for survivors, the lack of necessary resources continues to hamper these efforts.
Mulbah is calling on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, along with development partners, to prioritize funding and logistics for county gender offices, underlining that significant progress on gender issues in Liberia is dependent on it.
The situation is causing concern among local civil society organizations and community leaders, who are calling on the government and international partners to increase support for gender programs in the region.
They emphasized that the government of President Joseph Boakai and Jeremiah Koung must ensure that the rights of women and children are adequately equipped and supported in the county.
