By Bill W. Cooper
Liberia’s Second Lady, Synleseh Dahn-Koung is calling on the government, partners and citizenry to unite in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Launching the 16-Day of Activism Campaign officially, Mrs. Koung also emphasized the importance of equality, justice, and systemic change in addressing the root causes of SGBV across the 15 counties of Liberia, a situation which she disclosed is now becoming alarming.
“We must come together as a nation, transcending our differences, to create a society where every individual feels safe and valued, and those in the habit of abusing women and girls be made to face the full weight of the law,” she asserted.
The 16 Days of Activism is an annual international campaign that runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day.
This year’s global theme is: “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” while the local theme is: “From Talk to Action! Let’s Join Hands to End Violence Against Women and Girls to Achieve Beijing +30.”
Speaking at the launch of the event held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, the country’s Second Lady noted, “It is also our collective responsibility to ensure that justice is served for survivors and that we foster an environment of equality for all.”
Mrs. Koung highlighted alarming statistics that reveal the prevalence of SGBV in Liberia, calling for immediate action from both the government and civil society and international partners, among others.
She urged lawmakers to strengthen legal frameworks and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, and added, “We need laws that protect our women and children, and we need to enforce them rigorously.”
Mrs. Koung then promised to work closely with the government, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, CSOs and international partners, ensuring that the fight against SGBV is successful in the soonest possible time.
She concluded by encouraging all Liberians to participate actively in the campaign, stating, “Together, we can build a future free from violence, where every person can live with dignity and respect.”
Earlier, Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie expressed her deep concern over the rising number of rape cases, emphasizing that the figures reflect a broader societal issue that requires immediate attention from all Liberians across the country.
“While significant progress has been made in addressing GBV, the challenges persist. Data from recent years show alarming trends with few counties still reporting high GBV cases of which in 2022, Montserrado County reported 815 rape cases, followed by Margibi (86) and Bong (83).
“In 2023, the numbers climbed, as Montserrado recorded 1,279 cases, Nimba 223, and Margibi 143 respectively as the total number of cases reported in 2023 stands at 3,204,” she reiterated.
Minister Horace-Kollie further revealed, “By 2024, covering January to October, a total of 2,759 rape cases were reported, with Montserrado alone reporting 1,902 cases, accounting for 68.7% of reported rape cases nationwide.”
Additionally, the stats that are being Currently analysed, projects startling figures of other cases of GBV including Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Sexual Abuse, Abandonment and amongst others.
These figures underscore the urgency of intensifying efforts to combat GBV, which remains a significant barrier to the empowerment and full potential of women and girls in Liberia,” she maintained.
The gender minister called for a collective effort from government agencies, civil society organizations, and the general public to create an environment where survivors feel empowered to speak out and seek justice.
Meanwhile, serving as the guest speaker, Medica-Liberia Country Director, Yah Parwon called on CSOs to increased collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, as well as women’s rights organizations, to effectively implement Liberia’s core priorities on GBV.
She noted, “I also commend the shift towards localization, ensuring that resources and decision-making power are directed to local actors who are closest to the issues and solutions.”
Atty Parwon said, “To civil society organizations and the women’s movement; Let us continue to work collaboratively, ensuring that our efforts are united and impactful, Collaboration allows us to amplify our voices, pool resources, and share expertise to tackle the complex and systematic issues that perpetuate GBV and Gender inequality.”
“The time for talk is over. The time for action is now! I am truly honored. To the most dynamic team at medica Liberia, I celebrate you for leading GBV efforts in Liberia since 2006, close to 20 years now,” she added.
