Medica Liberia, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Plan International, and other stakeholders, has concluded a five-day SASA! training in Montserrado County under the Liberia Women Empowerment Project. This initiative aims to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and challenge harmful social norms through community-driven action. More than 66 participants, including community leaders and activists from rural Montserrado, attended the training.
The program began with two days focused on the SASA! Setup Guide, followed by three days dedicated to the “Start” phase, which lays the foundation for the entire approach. SASA! Is a Swahili word meaning “Now,” and an acronym for Start, Awareness, Support, and Action originated in Uganda as a proven method to address power imbalances, reduce violence, and promote gender equality. Throughout the training, participants were equipped with practical strategies for grassroots activism, leadership engagement, and institutional collaboration. These tools are intended to help embed anti-violence measures within the fabric of community life. “This is the Start phase of the project, where participants reflect on how they use their own power positively or negatively,” explained one of the national master trainers.
“Many are beginning to understand that violence is not ‘normal,’ but rather a result of unequal power dynamics.” The SASA! model unfolds in four interconnected stages. The Start phase focuses on encouraging personal reflection and awareness around the concept of power. The Awareness phase brings attention to the widespread impact of violence in communities. In the Support phase, families and neighbors are mobilized to work together in preventing abuse. Finally, the Action phase inspires collective, community-led initiatives aimed at ending violence. Facilitators emphasized that while change will not happen overnight, this training marks a crucial step toward long-term transformation. Over the next six to eight months, participants are expected to organize community-based activities and document their progress.
“We’re not expecting immediate results,” said one facilitator. “But this process empowers community leaders and activists to begin shifting harmful norms. Safer families lead to healthier relationships, increased financial stability, and brighter futures for children.” Participants expressed deep appreciation to medica Liberia and its partners, describing the training as a pivotal moment in their ongoing efforts to prevent violence. Many committed to serving as ambassadors for change within their communities. This training underscores the Liberian government’s broader commitment to fostering collaboration among families, communities, and institutions to build safer, more peaceful societies across the country.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
