Monrovia, Liberia — The Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting (GRPB) National Coordination Unit, under the Department of Budget & Development Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has commenced a six-day intensive working session focused on strengthening gender-responsive planning and budgeting across government institutions.
The session aims to review and identify gender equality gaps, develop a harmonized reporting mechanism for GRPB initiatives, and enhance effective reporting systems to ensure accountability and transparency in government programs.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Kpanah L. Mason, Coordinator of the GRPB National Coordination Unit, emphasized the importance of collective effort:
“Today, we gather to celebrate the achievements of our dedicated professionals within ministries, agencies, and commissions.
This session provides a vital platform to appreciate the critical roles we each play in reporting gender-related issues, especially at a time when cohesive and transparent reporting mechanisms are essential.”
Ms. Mason highlighted that government institutions face increasing demands not only to implement impactful projects but also to demonstrate outcomes and value through clear and credible reporting.
Mr. Boima H.M. Sonii, Deputy Director General of Statistics and Data Processing at the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), underscored the strategic importance of harmonizing reporting frameworks:
“The harmonization of our reporting frameworks is more than an administrative task; it is a strategic imperative that enhances accountability and comparability across all sectors.
Our commitment at LISGIS remains steadfast in promoting data integrity, standardization, and producing high-quality, reliable statistics to inform national development planning.”
He further noted that establishing a unified reporting system will align with both national priorities and international standards, supporting Liberia’s commitments under Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Anthony N. Borley, Director of Research, Policy, and Planning at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP), called for consistent methodologies across ministries and agencies:
“By harmonizing our reporting processes, we will strengthen assessments and ensure their contributions to national objectives. Over the next three days, we will engage in critical discussions aimed at advancing clear, comparable, and credible reporting that enhances our development initiatives.”
The working session will also address data standards and data governance, recognizing that a shared understanding of indicators is crucial for accurate reporting. Historical debates around employment statistics, including those during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, underscore the importance of standardized approaches to data collection and reporting.
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