By: Sampson W. Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
Congo Town, Liberia – A leading women’s rights group, Liberian Women Against Rape and Gender-Based Violence (LIWAR-GBV), is urging the government to act swiftly amid a rising tide of rape and sexual violence cases across Liberia.
The call comes as public outrage grows over allegations that Deputy Minister for Youth Development, J. Bryan McGill, raped a 14-year-old girl, the daughter of the Deputy Chief of Security at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
So far, the government has not issued an official statement, a silence that has drawn criticism from advocacy groups and intensified calls for immediate action.
In a petition submitted to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, LIWAR-GBV demanded swift and transparent justice in the McGill case and broader reforms to protect women and girls.
The group called for immediate attention to all high-profile rape and abuse cases, independent investigations focused on survivors in coordination with the Ministry of Justice, and a public government statement reaffirming its commitment to fighting sexual and gender-based violence with real accountability.
They also emphasized the need for expanded support for survivors—including counseling, medical care, and legal assistance—and a nationwide awareness campaign promoting zero tolerance for rape and abuse.
“This case cannot and must not be ignored,” LIWAR-GBV said, stressing that no official should be above the law.
Responding, Deputy Gender Minister Madam Golakai said her office is collaborating with the Liberia National Police to address the concerns raised and urged the women’s group to remain patient while investigations are ongoing.
Despite this, LIWAR-GBV insists that Liberia has reached a breaking point. “The time for silence and inaction has passed. Women and girls cannot continue to live in fear,” the group declared. “The government must act boldly and without delay to protect the safety and dignity of Liberian women and girls.”
