The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations Representative in Liberia, Madam Bintia Stephen Tchicaya, met with Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Gbeme Horace, in Monrovia to discuss key initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable communities across the country.
Held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, the meeting brought together notable participants, including Ms. Thomcelia M. Duoe, National Epidemiologist of FAO-ECTAD, and Mr. James Mike Fayiah-David, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Minister.
During the discussions, Madam Tchicaya highlighted the successful completion of the Social Protection Strategy, a World Bank-funded initiative designed to support marginalized groups such as individuals with Down Syndrome, people with Albinism, and street children. She emphasized FAO’s financial commitment to the strategy’s implementation, particularly in integrating nutrition-focused interventions.
The FAO Representative also shared plans for the upcoming Rural Women’s Celebration, scheduled for October 15, 2024. The event aims to spotlight both the accomplishments and the ongoing challenges faced by rural women in Liberia. Planned activities include an exhibition of agricultural work by women farmers and fishing communities, a dinner gala to exchange experiences and raise funds, and a green school initiative focused on teaching children climate-smart agriculture and nutrition.
Minister Horace, who recently completed a tour of several counties, voiced her concerns over the insufficient support from both government and development partners for grassroots structures working to empower women. She stressed the importance of recognizing women leaders in agriculture, especially in key counties such as Lofa, Nimba, and Bong.
The Minister also strongly advocated for the inclusion of street children as key beneficiaries of the Social Protection Strategy. She proposed an Alternative Livelihood Program to support these children through their caregivers, aiming to provide sustainable assistance.
Additionally, Minister Horace drew attention to the plight of the Albino community, who continue to face barriers to accessing healthcare, nutrition, security, and education. She referenced a home in Bentol that shelters abandoned children and is currently constructing a school and clinic. The Minister called for greater resources to enhance the well-being of persons with Albinism.
She further highlighted the urgent need to address the nutritional challenges faced by children with Down Syndrome, calling for resource mobilization to combat the issue of poor nutrition within this group.
Following the meeting, several key action points were agreed upon:
The Ministry will establish a Working Group to plan and coordinate the Rural Women’s Day Celebration, with the Chief of Staff tasked with creating a digital platform to streamline communication among stakeholders.
A Technical Working Group will also be formed to tackle issues related to the implementation of the Social Protection Strategy.
This constructive engagement between Minister Gbeme Horace and FAO Representative Bintia Stephen Tchicaya marks a significant step forward in promoting gender equality, protecting vulnerable populations, and empowering rural women across Liberia.
This story was originally written by the FOA in Liberia
