By: Kabina S. Kaba – kabinaskabah98@gmail.com
Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has officially launched the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, marking a major step toward strengthening gender equality and safeguarding the rights of women and girls.
The new phase aims to intensify the country’s fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and promote social inclusion as a key pillar of national development.
During the launch, the Minister praised the achievements of the first Spotlight Initiative, describing it as “an invaluable contribution to our national fight against SGBV.”
Spotlight 2.0 expands the program’s reach into three additional counties—Grand Bassa, Maryland, and Bong—bringing the total to eight counties nationwide.
Key Focus Areas
Spotlight Initiative 2.0 will prioritize:
- Strengthening protection systems: Improving mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and eliminate harmful traditional practices.
- Economic empowerment: Advancing women’s economic participation in development processes.
- Inclusion of vulnerable women: Ensuring women in rural and underserved communities are fully involved in national development efforts.
The Minister recognized the essential support of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN), noting that their leadership and investments have been critical to the initiative’s national impact.
She called on Liberians to rally behind the campaign with the same passion and unity displayed during political elections.
Upcoming National GBV Conference
To build on the momentum of the launch, the Ministry announced Liberia’s first-ever National GBV Conference, scheduled to take place within two days.
The historic gathering will bring together key stakeholders to address all forms of violence against women and girls, with special attention to the growing threat of digital violence.
The conference will also seek to address coordination gaps among national institutions, strengthen county-level response systems, and outline strategies for financing, legal reforms, and improved data management.
EU’s Commitment
European Union Ambassador Nona Deprez emphasized the global reality that one in three women experience gender-based violence, noting that Liberia is no exception.
She underscored the importance of the national campaign theme, “Unite to End Violence: Protecting All Women and Children in Our Communities and Digital Spaces,” stressing the need to confront digital violence as part of the broader SGBV challenge.
The Spotlight Initiative 2.0 represents a renewed national commitment to ending gender-based violence and creating equitable opportunities for women and girls.
With strong government leadership and steadfast international support, Liberia is moving toward a more inclusive, safer society for its most vulnerable citizens.
