IPNEWS: In a significant effort to enhance and build the capacity of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in Liberia, the Community HealthCare Initiative (CHI), supported by Irish Aid and the Government of Ireland, has successfully concluded a three-day workshop focused on Integrated Safety and Security for WHRDs.
The workshop, held from Wednesday, July 3rd to Friday, July 5th, at the D-Calabash Hotel in Congo Town, Paynesville, Montserrado County, aimed to promote the protection and support of an enabling environment for human rights defenders at community levels across Liberia. The objective was to create a safe space for everyone through a holistic advocacy approach at all levels.
Participants gained knowledge on various topics including Safety and Security Tips, Familiarization of Space, Human Rights-Based Approaches and their key components, Introduction to Safety and Security, Risk Analysis, Personal and Organizational Level Security, Safe and Security Response Mechanisms, and Trending Issues on Security and Safety in Liberia. They also learned to identify Women Human Rights Defenders in Liberia.
At the opening of the workshop, Lesley Aidoo Mensah, representing Irish Aid and the Government of Ireland, highlighted the importance of the consortium’s efforts to protect Human Rights Defenders. She reassured the participants of the Irish Government’s commitment to supporting CHI and its partners in building the capacity of WHRDs across Liberia. She emphasized that the Irish Government will continue to support and prioritize the voices and needs of marginalized communities, especially those from the LGBTQI community.
Mensah urged participants to maintain an open mind and a willingness to learn throughout the workshop.
The training targeted 28 participants and brought together institutions such as CHI, Irish Aid, WHRD, LIPRIDE, LIWEN, and IHRC, among others. As the workshop concluded on Friday, July 5th, participants praised CHI for organizing the initiative and extended gratitude to Irish Aid and the Government of Ireland for their support towards WHRDs in Liberia
Naomi Tulay Solanke, Executive Director of CHI, expressed her appreciation to Irish Aid and the Government of Ireland for their continued support. She also thanked the participants for their engagement in the workshop.
She quoted,
“Never underestimate the power of your voice. As a woman human rights defender, you are a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. Your courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice inspire us all. Keep pushing boundaries, challenging injustices, and standing up for those who cannot. Together, we can create a world where every woman’s rights are recognized, respected, and protected.”
Madam Tulay Solank shared with journalists her vision for the future, aiming to strengthen the collaboration between CHI, Irish Aid, and the Government of Ireland to further support and protect Women Human Rights Defenders in Liberia. By John Kamara Taylor
