.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Women From Wipsen-A Observe Sierra Leone's Elections

About thirty women, representing various women peace and advocacy groups in Liberia under the organization of the Women Peace and Security Network K-Africa, WIPSEN-Africa) based in Ghana in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Development departed Liberia last Sunday to join other women groups in Sierra Leone to observe that country's presidential elections slated for August 11, 2007.

Commissioning the Liberian women after a one-day preparatory and orientation Workshop in Monrovia, Gender Minister Varbah Gayflor challenged them to serve as true peace ambassadors.

She said their experiences in bringing peace to Liberia having gone through some of the most horrible trials in Liberia while at the same time.

Min. Gayflor said while government is making some gains both locally and internationally, there are other Liberians who are saying lots of negative things on the daily basis with the sole intent to bring Liberia down rather than building it.

Earlier, the Executive Director of WIPSEN-A, Laymah Gborwee said the overriding objectives are to provide a platform for women mainly grassroots across all levels of African societies.

She said was about strengthening women's capacity to play leadership roles in conflict prevention, non-violence, peace-building and security and promote twin approach of mainstreaming women's prospective.

She said this include national, regional and international mechanisms of peace and security as well as influence policy development through rigorous research, denunciation and provide technical expertise for women.

WIPSEN-A mission will institutionalize women peace and security in Africa by valorizing African Women's leadership capacity for constructive promotion, innovation and collaboration to non-violent transformation of conflict, peace building and human security.

allAfrica.com: Liberia: Women From Wipsen-A Observe Sierra Leone's Elections (Page 1 of 1)