By: Darious Dapae
Greenville, Sinoe County: As Liberia joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 2025 “16 Days of Activism,” the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) has underscored the need for unified and sustained efforts to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and all forms of abuse, especially against women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.
Speaking during an elaborate program in Greenville, Madam Angu Nyemah Williams, Gender Coordinator for Sinoe County, stressed the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls, noting the critical role they play in national development.
“Stop violence against women, including rape and physical assaults. Protecting them is key to our survivability as a democratic nation,” she said.
Health and humanitarian organizations, including Medical Liberia and BRAC Liberia, also delivered key presentations. Their representatives highlighted the severe physical, emotional, and social impacts of GBV and urged survivors to seek timely medical care, counseling, and legal redress. They further emphasized the need for strong community support in protecting victims and breaking the cycle of silence.
Officials from the Ministry of Gender used the platform to reaffirm the global significance of the 16 Days campaign, noting Liberia’s ongoing struggle with domestic abuse, rape, and other gender-related violations. They called on stakeholders—especially parents, teachers, community leaders, and traditional authorities—to take proactive measures in reporting abuse and educating the public.
In separate remarks, religious leaders advocated for moral discipline and compassionate leadership within families and communities. Youth representatives also pledged to champion anti-GBV initiatives, stressing that young people remain powerful agents of change.
The event concluded with a united pledge from participants to intensify awareness, strengthen partnerships, and support efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls in Sinoe County.
According to the Ministry of Gender’s Annual GBV Report for 2024, a total of 3,591 cases of gender-based violence were recorded. Of these, 2,759 were rape cases. Women accounted for 3,554 victims, while 37 victims were men.
Gender-based violence remains a pervasive challenge in Liberia, but the government and partner organizations continue to pursue targeted interventions, policy reforms, public awareness initiatives, and survivor support services to combat the issue.
