The Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCH) is expected to hold a one-day training of female aspirants and CSOs at the YWCA today.
The training is being supported by OXFAM with funds from the Government of Netherlands and will be held under the theme: “Enhancing Women’s Capacity as Right Holders to become Change Agents in the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence and Increased Democratic Participation”.
The training will target young female politicians, decision makers, and heads of Civil Society Organizations at the central and local levels to champion the prevention of violence against women and be role-models for women’s participation in democratic processes.
The training is intended to build the capacity of participants to engage in political debates, lobby at the legislature, and develop strategic advocacy techniques.
According to data by the United Nations Population Division, women make up 49.60 percent of the population in Liberia and 11% in parliament. Thus, the percent of women in Liberia is critical to changing the paradigm of decision making in Liberia.
Yet, years of patriarchy has prevented women from attaining the social and political advancement that should accrue to them as a group. In recent years however, there have been efforts by partners and the government of Liberia to ensure that marginalized groups such as women, youth, and the disabled are included in the national planning processes.
The overall objective of this project is to support the participation of women in politics and in decision-making process, by creating an environment conducive for their meaningful participation, and to support capacity development of women before, during and after the elections at the central and local levels
The Organization for Women and Children is an organization that focuses on championing the cause of women increased participation in decision making process, and the reduction of sexual and gender based violence.