Ms. Landgren disclosed that the number of women in the Judiciary is presently zero and more women are needed to carry out some important functions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the women’s peace and security program in Gbarnga over the weekend, Ms. Langren said UNMIL will continue to strengthen justice in Liberia and especially in the rural areas.
She also said that there will be a national dialogue on laws affecting women. “United Nations will support women in the national dialogue for gender equality.”
Ms. Landgren said presently there are presently 30% women in the security sector and about 17% in the accounting sector.
She however encouraged women to join the security sector to help the country reach the 50% mark in the security sector.
Meanwhile, Ms. Langren has pledged that by 2015, the Government of Liberia and UNMIL will expand its crime unit in all 15 counties in Liberia to reduce the high rate of SGBV in Liberia.
She told this newspaper that the rate of sexual and gender- based violence in the country is very high and there will be steps taken by UNMIL and the Government of Liberia to reduce it.
She said rape cases that reach UNMIL affect children from 0-14 years, and noted that “rape cases disturb me.”
Ms. Landgren said serious action will be taken against rape offenders because rape destroys women.
