In an effort to track sexual gender based violence (SGBV) record in Liberia, the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has presented over 3,000 medical report books for documentation of SGBV to the Ministry of Gender.
Giving an overview, WONGOSOL Program Manager, Willet Salue, said the medical report books for survivors of SGBV at one-stop centers are crucial for several reasons.
Speaking Friday, August 2, 2024 at the presentation ceremony at the Ministry of Gender in Monrovia, she disclosed that the books will document detailed evidence of survivors’ psychological and physical conditions and ensure healthcare is provided for them.
She added that it will also serve as a medium of data collection and analysis, while empowering and validating survivors’ experiences. She noted that accurate records can support the survivor’s case in court, helping to bring perpetrators to justice.
Presenting the over 3,000 books to the Ministry of Gender on behalf of the group, WONGOSOL’s Board Chairperson Madam Facia Harris said the books will help health workers at various facilities track activities of SGBV reported at their various hospitals and clinics.
According to her, the record tracker books will also help in generating evidence that can be used for survivors’ cases in the Court of Law. Madam Harris revealed that the initiative is a component of the project titled, “Strengthening Collaborations and Responding to GBV, Economic Empowerment & Increase Representation of Women in Political Leadership at County and National Levels in Liberia” with support from “Kvinna till Kvinna” and funded by SIDA.
She stated that the importance of the book is to advance collaborations and establish networks that will amplify women’s voices, reduce violence and sustain the socio-economic empowerment of women in Liberia. “This initiative is geared toward strengthening the monitoring and response services of SGBV in coordination with national actors to reduce Gender-Based Violence in Liberia,” she said.
Receiving the books, Atty Laura Golakeh, Deputy Gender Minister lauded the women group and partners for their efforts. Atty. Golakeh noted that the Ministry faces a huge gap in terms of Gender-Based Violence, of which they are working tirelessly to augment the gaps. She also called for a collective effort from CSOs and partners to achieve their goal.
For her part, Dr. Cynthia Blapooh, SGBV Coordinator at the Ministry of Health expressed the need for health workers to get proper training in order to have proper documentation.
“We appreciate your kind donation because this is really important. We are also working on things, let’s be patience, this is a new government,” Dr. Blapooh said.
She said SGBV cases are free of charge and anyone collecting money for such cases are in violation of the law.
