By Emmanuel Kerkulah
Monrovia-Liberia’s efforts to address climate change must prioritize gender equality and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, Deputy Minister for Research, Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Curtis V. Dorley, has emphasized.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch of the Climate Change Gender Action Plan, EPA Gender Policy, and Gender and Climate Change Baseline Assessment Report in Monrovia, Dorley described the Climate Change Gender Action Plan as a critical instrument for promoting gender equality and strengthening the country’s response to climate change.
Dorley says the plan recognizes the need for coordinated action across eight priority sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, health, water and sanitation, energy, and transportation.
The Deputy Minister during the gathering reminded the audience how climate change has far-reaching effects on food security, public health, livelihoods, and household income, making gender inclusion essential in developing effective environmental policies and programmes.
He stressed the importance of adequate climate financing, increased women’s participation in decision-making, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in climate adaptation programmes.
The Deputy Gender Minister urged government institutions and development partners to ensure the effective implementation of the three instruments, emphasizing that their success should be measured by the positive changes they bring to the lives of ordinary Liberian.
