The National Gender and Security Sector Task Force (GSSNT) with support from UNDP, has conducted a three-day dissemination workshop on the road-map for implementation of UNSCR 1325 for Security Sector Institutions in Liberia.

The exercise is part of activities under the Inclusive Security: ‘Nothing for Us Without Us project.

The project is funded by the Peace Building Fund (PBF) and implemented by UNDP, in partnership with UNWOMEN # and IOM.

It is aimed at providing support to the Government of Liberia (GOL) in its efforts to promote gender equality in the security sector and enhance the capacity of national justice and security institutions to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against women.

Participants were draw from 10 security institutions government agencies, and representatives from UNDP rule of Law programmme.

The purpose of the dissemination workshop was to share information on national laws and frameworks that are linked to Women Peace and Security (WPS).

Participants discussed implementation and roll out plans of the various instruments and efforts aimed at building trust and confidence between security institutions and communities.

During the workshop, among recommendations forwarded by participants included strengthening coordination mechanisms for the oversight of the security sector; updating and accessing information; organizing campaigns at the national and regional levels to promote the roll-out of the compendium packages as well as reporting in a timely fashion etc.

The national security sector Taskforce also reminded participants of their sustainability plans that were developed by each institution to sustain their work after the project.

The gender and security sector reform (SSR) is gradually being highlighted by governments, and on the agenda of international development, women peace and security. SSR opens the space of opportunity to transform security policies, institutions and programmes, creating opportunities to integrate gender issues.

The incorporation of gender issues is being acknowledged as a key to operational effectiveness, local ownership and strengthened oversight. For instance, increasing the recruitment of female staff, preventing human rights violations, and collaborating with women’s organizations contribute to creating an efficient, accountable and participatory security sector, which responds to the specific needs of men, women, girls and boys.

This workshop on the dissemination of Gender Security Sector Reform Compendium and Toolkit is an initial response to the need for information and analysis on gender and SSR.

The compendium is about the Implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1325 for Liberian Security Sector Institutions (SSIs).

It is designed to serve as a reference tool for Government of Liberia security sector leadership, professionals, and staff as well as policymakers, legislators, gender practitioners, civil society, the academic community, legal and judicial officials, peace and security committees across the country, interested members of the public, and UN and other international partners.

The compilation also includes the set of UN Security Council Resolutions related to Women, Peace, and Security as well as related UN, African Union Human Rights, and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Gender and Security Sector policy frameworks and treaties to which Liberia is a State Party.