Finding Intersections Between Gender and Anti-Corruption
By: Clara K. Mallah
Since 2018, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has made deliberate strides to mainstream gender across its projects and activities. One example of those efforts is the formulation and adaptation of a Gender Policy framework which includes measures to advocate for equality and equal participation in the society through various anti-corruption messages. In furtherance of this policy, we have worked not only to mainstream gender in our programs but to ensure that gender-related activities are also laced with anti-corruption themes. Our engagements in commemoration of the 16-Days of activism is one way in which this is done.
In commemoration of the 2024 edition of the celebration, and to mark the 25th Anniversary of the celebration, CENTAL collaborated with the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP) for a series of activities held from 25 November to 10 December 2024. These activities included a grand march followed by an official indoor program at the Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, under the global theme: “From Pledges to Impact: Account, Resource, and Recommit to End Violence against Women and Girls” and on the national theme, “From Talk to Action! Let’s Join Hands to End Violence Against Women and Girls”. As part of CENTAL’s contribution to the celebration, we availed two editions of our Integrity-Watch radio program to the MOGCSP where they appeared and provided public awareness about the significance of observing the period of activism.
On top of this, a one-day debate with students of the Ford Madden Christian Academy (FMCA) on the importance of the 16 Days of Activism, and the impact of corruption on gender was organized. The event helped enlightened the students on the subject of Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), gender and corruption, and its effects on people and the society.
During the debate, Augustus Mckeever, Principal of Ford-Madden Christian Academy, welcomed the team to the school and expressed joy that such an event was brought to the students to enlighten them. “This is will go a long way for the students...The fight against corruption and SBGV is an important discussion…CENTAL taking the lead to create awareness among the students is a great initiative,” Mckeever added.
A total of 73 students were present during the event. Of this number, 37 were males and 36 females, excluding the two judges, Solomon Ware, and Amos Williams. The debate session was held between the 11th and 12th graders, and they debated on the topic: Teachers bear the responsibility for bribery in schools. This was followed by a presentation on the 16 Days of Activism, Gender and Corruption, from Clara K. Mallah, CENTAL’s Gender and Inclusion Officer.
The 11th graders, debate team, comprised of three students, argued ‘For’ and 12th graders, debate team, also comprised of three students, argued ‘against’. The debate was epic, educating, impactful, when the students provided essential points in defense of their respective arguments. The both teams provided key information, or facts as to why bribery in school is teachers’ responsibility, and why teachers are not responsible for bribery in schools.
The intersections of the discussion sparked meaningful dialogue among the students. The debate was climaxed with a fascinating learning and sharing session, which provided a platform for the participants and the students (audience) to exchange ideas, answered questions, shared experiences, and put-forth ways in finding solutions to the day-day-problems surrounding corruption and SGBV.
At the end of the debate, the 11th grade team, emerged as winner, due to accurate research, composition and presentation, and received a cash prize of USD50.00, while the 12th Grade Team, came second place, and received a cash prize of USD$25.00. 11th grader, Cornelius D. Horace, 16, led his team to victory, and expressed great appreciation to CENTAL for the event, and expressed ‘joy and pride’ for his team to have emerged as ‘winner’. “This win was based on teamwork. We studied hard, did our research and got prepared for the debate. Anything you want do or achieve, you have to work hard…we are very grateful for the achievement,” Horace said.
For Second place winner, Naomi E. White, who led her team, said, despite taking second place, her team found the debate very educative, and hopes CENTAL continues to create such an opportunity for young people to learn. “Yes! We are happy to have participated, we will get prepared better for future programme. Thanks to CENTAL for the programme…It was educating,” the 16-Year-Old said. Horace and White then encouraged fellow students to keep studying for a better future. “To our fellow classmates, and schoolmates, don’t’ give up! Study, one day, you will be a winner” both said.
The activity encapsulates CENTAL’s commitment to continue the SGBV outreach across its project counties: Bomi, Gbarpolu, Rivercess, Grand Bassa, Nimba, Bong and Montserrado. The celebration was climaxed on December 10, 2024, following a series of engagements all geared towards spreading the word against SGBV through social media pages, Facebook, LinkedIn, radio program ‘Integrity TV’, universities, schools, and communities.