In commemoration of world day against gender -based violence, Concern Worldwide has mobilized communities through representations of different farmer groups in the Western Urban to embark on a massive sensitization on the cause of gender -based violence in the country.
Yesterday at the Waterloo City Hall, community stakeholders were assembled to discuss respective topics provided by Concern Worldwide representatives on the importance of the day (25th November), and to educate inhabitants of western rural on political tolerance, social justice and development; and the need to curb gender-based violence-an issue which was considered as being one of the root causes to social conflict, since the end of the war.
Ruth Pundeh, Project Manager of Concern Worldwide, in her opening remarks, admonished the mixed gathering of youths and elder, to instill the spirit of tolerance by respecting the dignity of one another.
She emphasized that gender- based violence is not only limited to the vulnerability of women, but also highlighted how some men (though in exceptional cases) have fallen prey of women abusing their rights.
She buttressed that the event was particularly held, to point out most of the issues that have contributed to domestic violence, apparently leading to the destruction of homes, the future of the young generation, the nation and the world at large.
Gladys Johnny, Governance Officer of Concern Worldwide told the audience that peace at home can lead to development in children.
She said women are very vital in promoting peace and tranquility at home and should therefore be respected by their husbands, just as husbands respecting their wives.
Mrs. Pamela Konneh of the Agriculture Ministry chaired the three hours event.
She explained briefly that the 25th of every year is celebrated all over the globe as an international day against gender-based violence.
She observed that since the end of the eleven year civil war, gender based violence, involving men, women, children and other vulnerable members of the population have topped many of the social problems.
She said that men, but exclusively women and children, have suffered the enormity of gender violence. She said that the theme which reads: “peace in the home is peace in the world” was considered very apt in addressing gender violence- a malaise which has bedevilled the country for so long.
Rev. Theophillus Duro Nicol, Assistant Chairman and General Superintendent, Countess of Huntingdon Connexion, dilated on the need to maintain a formidable relationship between peace at home and in the community. He advised that there should be maximum understanding between both parents (father and mother) so that the children would grow to emulate acceptable moral principles that will ultimately contribute to national development.
Leslie Oseh Whenzle, the headman of Waterloo community buttressed that women and men should cohabit in the interest of peace and security. He said that domestic violence mostly begins at home and further continue in larger areas in the country and highlighted the need for political tolerance, especially as we are coming out of the electioneering period.
A question and answer session was all directed at maintaining mutual respect for all, especially when it comes to running the affairs of homes.
By Poindexter Sama
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