A powerful call for national action rang out in Paynesville as civil society organizations, women’s rights advocates, community leaders, government representatives, and hundreds of citizens gathered to climax Liberia’s observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The event, organized by CEPPDEV Liberia and SATEC Liberia in collaboration with women’s rights groups and community stakeholders, underscored growing public demand for an end to violence against women and girls. Delivering the keynote message, former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor issued an uncompromising challenge to the nation, declaring that Liberia cannot achieve sustainable development while women and girls continue to live in fear.
“These 16 days are not symbolic; they are a national mirror,” she said. “They remind us of the lives lost, the futures stolen, and the dreams shattered by violence. At this moment in Liberia’s history, we must decide whether we will tolerate abuse or rise to protect our daughters.” Madam Taylor traced her lifelong advocacy for women’s rights to deep-rooted inequalities that leave women economically vulnerable, socially silenced, and politically marginalized. She described the country’s current reality as “a struggle between progress and persistent threats,” noting that despite increased awareness, violence remains widespread due to weak enforcement, stigma, and harmful traditional norms.
“The biggest barriers are silence, impunity, and economic powerlessness,” she stressed. “Until we confront these directly, women and girls will continue to suffer.” Reflecting on her years in national leadership, she cited efforts to strengthen the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Taskforce, expand survivor support services, and advance legal reforms. However, she warned that progress will remain fragile without meaningful implementation. “Our justice system must stop re-victimizing survivors. Police must respond with urgency, not excuses.
Courts must prioritize SGBV cases, and government must commit real resources not symbolic allocations to protect women,” she said. Madam Taylor also challenged community leaders, traditional authorities, and faith-based institutions to reject practices that perpetuate abuse, while urging influencers and citizens to speak out. “Change begins where silence ends,” she said, emphasizing the need to engage boys and young men through homes, schools, churches, and mosques. “We must teach respect, not dominance; equality, not entitlement.” She commended CEPPDEV and SATEC for sustaining public attention on gender-based violence.
“Their work is courageous, necessary, and transformative. Do not grow weary your voices are saving lives,” she encouraged. She concluded with a stark warning and a message of hope: “If you harm a woman or a girl, you are harming the nation, and justice will catch up with you. To survivors: you are not alone. Speak out. Your pain is valid, and your voice matters.” At the ceremony, CEPPDEV Liberia issued a firm declaration reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and gender-responsive budgeting. Team Lead Abraham Varney called for the immediate reactivation of the Fiscal Transparency and Advisory Group (FTAG), stressing its importance in inclusive fiscal governance.
He demanded greater accountability from the Ministry of Gender, urging it to provide a detailed breakdown of the US$300,000 allocated to the SGBV Support Strengthening Program. “No more lump sums. No more ambiguity. Accountability begins with transparency,” Varney said. Varney also condemned the December 3 incident in which persons with disabilities were reportedly teargassed at the Ministerial Complex, describing it as “inhumane and unacceptable,” and called on President Joseph N. Boakai to order a prompt and impartial investigation. CEPPDEV further unveiled a simplified, gender-focused analysis of the proposed 2026 national budget, aimed at helping citizens and policymakers track how public spending affects women and girls. “We will not relent until Liberia’s budget reflects equity, justice, and humanity,” Varney said.
In remarks SATEC Liberia Team Lead John McCauley Jr. highlighted the power of audiovisual storytelling in driving accountability and public engagement. He said SATEC’s AV4Dev model demonstrates how stories can expose injustice, amplify women’s voices, and challenge institutions to act. “Transparency needs information, accountability needs visibility, and change needs voices loud and unbroken,” McCauley said, reaffirming SATEC’s long-term commitment to ensuring that stories of injustice are neither ignored nor silenced.
Author: Cooper Sangar
