http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4632874.stm
Liberian leader breaks rape taboo
By Elizabeth Blunt
BBC News, Monrovia
Liberia's new president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, came to power on a huge surge of support from women voters, hopeful that a woman leader would right some of the wrongs done to them during 14 years of civil war.
The new president has vowed to tackle rape using tough new laws
One of her first pledges was to do something about the scourge of rape, using new legislation that came into force the day after her inauguration.
Rape is not a word you often hear in polite society. It is certainly not something that presidents talk about in their inaugural address.
But after being sworn in on Monday, Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf stood up and said something that galvanised her audience.
"I know of the struggle because I have been a part of it," she said.
"I recall the inhumanity of confinement, the terror of attempted rape."
............... etc etc.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4632874.stm
Originally posted by ivanhoeShe's set herself a very difficult task.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4632874.stm
Liberian leader breaks rape taboo
By Elizabeth Blunt
BBC News, Monrovia
Liberia's new president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, came to power on a huge surge of support from women voters, hopeful that a woman leader would right some of the wrongs done to them during 14 years of civil war.
The ...[text shortened]... pted rape."
............... etc etc.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4632874.stm
I hope she succeeds.
Originally posted by ivanhoeAwesome.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4632874.stm
Liberian leader breaks rape taboo
By Elizabeth Blunt
BBC News, Monrovia
Liberia's new president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, came to power on a huge surge of support from women voters, hopeful that a woman leader would right some of the wrongs done to them during 14 years of civil war.
The ...[text shortened]... pted rape."
............... etc etc.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4632874.stm
Thank you for that. I have been aware of the existing problem for some time over there and my heart and prayers go out to the country as a whole.
Come Monday as I go to cast my vote I will be thankfull that my issues as a nation are not so great. And I will reflect on the difference one vote can make towards change.
Is that good? honestly now, Mrs. President is tackling women's issue, which is ok but... and as the article quotes "Liberians endured 14 years of a brutal civil war"
Shouldn't she be addressing this issue first and foremost? implement peace woman and safety (to all) will surely follow...
Best of luck to her anywho....
Originally posted by PeachyAfter 14 years of civil war I don't think the people have any real concept of peace left. Stopping the violence and torture of women is a good step in the right direction. I can only imagine the mass phycolgical damage it would have on the population as a whole to have endured so much war and violence for so long. You have young men and women who have grown up never knowing peacefull behaviour. It's going to be a long slow process. And I'm sure that the article doesn't reflect the governments whole agenda to bring normality back to a country that has suffered so much. But to see that womens rights are up high on the list is a positive step in the right direction.
Is that good? honestly now, Mrs. President is tackling women's issue, which is ok but... and as the article quotes "Liberians endured 14 years of a brutal civil war"
Shouldn't she be addressing this issue first and foremost? implement peace woman and safety (to all) will surely follow...
Best of luck to her anywho....
Originally posted by mokkoAbsolutely, Mokko .... rec-ed.
After 14 years of civil war I don't think the people have any real concept of peace left. Stopping the violence and torture of women is a good step in the right direction. I can only imagine the mass phycolgical damage it would have on the population as a whole to have endured so much war and violence for so long. You have young men and women who have grown up ...[text shortened]... to see that womens rights are up high on the list is a positive step in the right direction.