UNFPA Strengthens Partnership with Liberian Media to Promote Reproductive Health and Gender Equality

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Liberian media in the promotion of sexual reproductive health and rights across the country.

Speaking at the opening of a one-day orientation workshop for the Liberia Media Network for Championing the ICPD Agenda, UNFPA Resident Representative, Dr. Mady Biaye, described the engagement as a significant step toward building stronger partnerships with the press to advance gender equality and sustainable development in Liberia.

Dr. Biaye wrapped up by emphasizing that population and development, as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights, are key pillars needed for national development.

He underscored that these were not theoretical concepts but concrete actions bearing direct relevance to the social and economic development of Liberia.

Dr. Biaye pointed out that UNFPA was focusing on three transformative results globally: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending the unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.

According to him, the media plays a very important role in achieving this by amplifying messages of advocacy and increasing public awareness with respect to gender equality, family planning, and reproductive health.

"The media plays an important advocacy role in pushing for the vision of a world in which every pregnancy is wanted, childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is realized," he said.

He said UNFPA is a data-driven agency that supports the Government of Liberia through regular census, surveys, and research activities to ensure that national policies are informed by accurate population data.

He encouraged journalists to adhere to the “does no harm” principle in their reporting, especially in the course of developing stories or content about vulnerable communities served by UNFPA programs.