IPNEWS: The Program Manager of the Rural Integrated Center for Community Empowerment (RICCE), Madam Renee N. Gibson, has called for the submission and passage of the draft National Oil Palm Development bill. Madam Gibson further emphasized that the bill has the potential to address crucial women and community issues across rural Liberia.
Making remarks recently at the quarterly Civil Society Organizations Oil Palm Working Group (CSO-OPWG) quarterly information sharing and acquaintance meeting with the Director-General of the National Bureau of Concessions (NBC), Madam Gibson highlighted that the bill would serve as a strategic tool to promote sustainable oil palm cultivation, generate employment, and significantly boost the livelihoods of marginalized groups particularly women and rural communities.
She said “We believe that when this bill is passed women issues will be addressed because women are the major players in the oil palm sector. We look forward to passing this bill so that women are empowered, gain financial independence and the community rights are respected by concessionaires.”
Madam Gibson added “Women are major players in the oil palm sector and they stand to gain considerably through increased income generation in the oil palm value chain, from planting to processing and marketing. This bill would create new economic opportunities and help bridge gender gaps in our communities.”
The gender advocate further noted that the bill aligns with national development goals aimed at poverty reduction and gender equality. “By passing this legislation swiftly, we hope to see the full potential of our rural communities and create a more equitable society as oil palm production is one major source of income generation for rural communities.”
The bill, which has been drafted and under review for several months, is now considered critical in advancing rural development strategies. As efforts continue, stakeholders remain optimistic that with strong advocacy and political will, the drafted bill will soon be submitted to the National Legislature, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable growth in rural areas.
She has meanwhile commended the Director-General of the National Bureau of Concessions (NBC), Theodore Momo, Jr. for his willingness to work with CSO-OPWG in making the oil palm industry productive and beneficial to all especially communities where these concessions are located.
Madam Renee N. Gibson further called on the NBC boss to work collaboratively with CSO-OPWG to ensure the speedy and holistic submission and passage of the Oil Palm Development Bill.
