MONROVIA, Montserrado – The Millennium Challenge Account-Liberia says it has donated office equipment and supplies to Gender and Social Inclusion Units within the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection, in an effort to promote gender-inclusive practices in public service delivery.
According to a press release issued by MCA-L, the equipment and office tools donated to the Gender Ministry are worth US$13,944 and include four desktop computers, two printers, and fourteen pieces of furniture, whereas the Public Works Ministry received furniture, three desktop computers, three laptops, a printer, and supplies.
Stephen Kolee, MCA-L’s environmental and social protection specialist, said the units will strengthen the capacity of staff by providing technical assistance and economic opportunities and business skills to benefit both males and females, people with disabilities, and other marginalized sections of their workforce.
“We expect that these units will take advantage of and make good use of the support we are providing to the point that they will be adequately prepared to extend the culture of gender and social inclusion across their institutional policies, strategies, programs, projects, and activities,” Kolee said.
Thomas Nimley Lawodo, Gender Unit director at the Gender Ministry, expressed appreciation to MCA-L for the tangible support given to the Ministry to promote gender and social inclusion.
“With these tools, we will work closely with women and youth groups to provide equal opportunities for all,” Lawodo said.
Irene Bedell-Smith, the Public Works’ Gender Unit director, also thanked MCA-L for their support.
“These supplies will make our work more effective. Before, we did not have the supplies to prepare our newsletters and do other work but, with the office supplies and furniture, our work will be up to speed,” said Bedell-Smith.
Last year, the MCA-L supported the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s Gender Department with over US$8,000 worth of office furniture, computers, air conditioners, and office tools, in addition to capacity-building support.
This year, they continue to support increased economic opportunities of unemployed youths, war-affected persons, poor women, and other marginalized groups.
Featured photo courtesy of the Millennium Challenge Account-Liberia
