MRISS Gives Update on GBV -Reports on Progress, Challenges, Recommendations

MONROVIA – Mano River Institute for Strategic Studies (MRISS) through its Founder and Executive Director George Tenesee Timely has examined the current state of GBV in Liberia, highlighting efforts to strengthen laws and policies, support survivors, and promote community engagement by continuously working with international partners, civil society organizations, and community members to build a safer and more equitable society for all.

MRISS, in a research article, unveiled that GBV is a widespread problem in Liberia, with a 2019 survey by the Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) revealing that 41% of women aged 15-49 had experienced physical or sexual violence. The survey also found that 23% of women had experienced violence during pregnancy.

Progress

Against the backdrop of this dismal statistics on GVB, Liberia has however made significant progress in strengthening its laws and policies to address GBV. The country’s 2008 Rape Law, for example, increased penalties for rape and other forms of GBV. Additionally, the 2012 Children’s Law provides protection for children from all forms of violence, including GBV.

In 2019, Liberia launched its National Gender Policy, which aims to promote gender equality and address GBV. The policy outlines strategies for preventing GBV, supporting survivors, and promoting community engagement.

Liberia has established a number of programs to support survivors of GBV. The country’s network of sexual assault referral centers, for example, provides medical and counseling services to survivors. Additionally, the Liberia Women’s Empowerment Network (LIWEN) provides shelter and support services to survivors of GBV.

“Community engagement is critical to addressing GBV in Liberia. The country’s 2019 National GBV Strategy recognizes the importance of community involvement in preventing GBV and supporting survivors. The strategy outlines plans to engage traditional leaders, community groups, and faith-based organizations in GBV prevention and response efforts,” Mr. Timely said.

Challenges

Despite progress, Liberia still faces significant challenges in addressing GBV. One of the main challenges is the lack of resources. Liberia’s GBV programs and services are heavily reliant on donor funding, which can be unpredictable and unsustainable.

Another challenge is the cultural and social norms that perpetuate GBV. In Liberia, GBV is often seen as a private matter, and survivors may face stigma and shame if they report their experiences. Additionally, traditional leaders and community members may not always support GBV prevention and response efforts.

Approaches

Addressing GBV in Liberia requires a comprehensive approach that involves strengthening laws and policies, supporting survivors, and promoting community engagement. While Liberia has made significant progress in recent years, the country still faces significant challenges. To overcome these challenges, Liberia will need to continue to work with international partners, civil society organizations, and community members to build a safer and more equitable society for all.

Recommendations

To further address GBV in Liberia, the Mano River Institute for Strategic Studies (MRISS) has recommended increased funding for GBV programs and services to ensure sustainability and scalability; engagement with traditional leaders and community members in GBV prevention and response efforts; strengthening of laws and policies to address GBV, including increasing penalties for perpetrators; provision of training and capacity-building programs for healthcare providers, law enforcement officials, and other stakeholders to ensure they are equipped to respond to GBV cases.

“By working together, Liberia can make significant progress in addressing GBV and promoting a safer and more equitable society for all,” the MRISS said.