MONROV IA, LIBERIA-Internal Affairs Minister Varney Sirleaf says much has been achieved in Liberia, when it comes to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other harmful traditional practices.

Minister Sirleaf also said:” The Liberian Government is creating alternative livelihood centers in counties, where the practice is high.”

He was speaking when he received in audience the new UN Women Representative to Liberia, Comfort Lamptey.

Minister Sirleaf said currently Lofa County is among the five counties benefiting from the alternative livelihood initiative, under the Internal Affairs Ministry.

Minister Varney Sirleaf recounted the level of support the Internal Affairs Ministry has been receiving from the former UN Representative to Liberia, and looks forward to more.

For her part, Comfort Lamptey praised Liberian women for serving as trailblazers and good examples to the African Continent.

Madam Lamptey, however, said:” More needs to be done to elevate them, and to curtail barriers that continue to hinder their development, most especially at the rural level.”

The new UN Women Boss to Liberia vowed to work along with various State actors to address factors affecting Liberian women, including low participation in the governance structure and harmful traditional practices.

She emphasized that issues affecting Liberian women need to be addressed adequately, adding that the Internal Affairs Ministry is vital in handling women issues at the local level.