President George Weah has termed the unveiling of a DNA testing machine by his government as the beginning of a journey to revolutionize rape investigations in the country.
The acquisition of the DNA testing machine was recommended as one of the measures to tackle the scourge of rape during a sexual and gender-based violence conference in 2020,
It was aimed at highlighting the National Road Map on rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
President Weah indicated that for many years, criminal investigations on sexual and gender-based violence have relied solely on victims’ complaints and medical examinations, thus leaving cases to be determined and adjudicated based only on circumstantial evidence.
The Liberian Chief Executive noted that the unveiling of the new technology would have a positive impact on the way rape cases are investigated in Liberia.
In the meantime, the feminist in chief encouraged medical practitioners to handle the equipment with care, in order to provide the intended and requisite services to the people of Liberia, particularly to women, girls and children.
President Weah at the same time expressed gratitude on behalf of the Liberian people to all NGOs and international partners for the support provided in assisting government with the promotion of women rights and empowerment, and the protection of vulnerable women, girls, and children.
The ceremony coincided with the observance of International Women’s Day 2021, which was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Liberia, Ambassador Clar Marie Decontee Weah, as well as international partners and the women of Liberia.
International Women’s Day is an annual event held on March 8 to celebrate women’s accomplishments, recognize the rights and power of women and give them the prominence they deserve across nations.
The day also provides the opportunity to celebrate women who have made history and who continue to be champions of change and inspiration for future generations.
This year’s celebration was held under the Global Theme: “WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World”, and under the National Theme: “WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP: Breaking Down Barriers in the Dispensation of a COVID-19 World”.
President Weah said his government remains thankful and appreciative to women for their resilience and commitment in their various tasks and duties as leaders, in both public and private spaces, and even in their homes.
He acknowledged the unrelenting need for women’s empowerment, and that government has a responsibility to institute and implement all measures and policies that will promote such empowerment, and at the same time ensure the safety of women, girls and children, who are mostly marginalized.
The government of Liberia has since declared rape “national emergency” after more than 900 cases of rape were reported in 2020 alone.
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