By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia – Liberia’s Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP) has reported a total of 3,591 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in 2024, with rape accounting for 2,759 of these cases, according to the Ministry’s annual report.
Women were the primary victims, numbering 3,554, while men accounted for 37 reported cases.
Montserrado County recorded the highest number of incidents with 2,143 cases, of which 1,902 were rapes.
Lofa, Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa counties also reported significant figures, highlighting the pervasive nature of GBV across Liberia.
The statistics were shared during the pre-launch press conference for Liberia’s 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, delivered by Atty. Laura Golakeh, Deputy Minister of MGCSP, on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
This year’s national campaign theme is “UNiTE to End Violence: Protecting All Women and Children in Our Communities and Digital Spaces,” aligning with the global theme focusing on ending digital violence against women and girls.
Atty. Golakeh emphasized the importance of commemorating the 16 Days of Activism, noting that the campaign—observed annually from November 25 to December 10—raises awareness, mobilizes action, and strengthens national and community responses to GBV.
She called on Liberians to confront the societal norms and systemic barriers that perpetuate violence, including patriarchal practices, harmful traditions, poverty, and gaps in legal frameworks.
Significant achievements in Liberia’s fight against GBV include the reactivation of the National GBV 116 Call Center, enhanced training for call operators and County Gender Coordinators, improved referral pathways, and the development of a new GBV Information Management System.
GBV Observatories have been established in seven counties, while the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 has expanded national coverage to eight counties, including Grand Bassa, Maryland, and Bong.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, with statutory rape cases (under 18) leading the reported rape incidents at 1,485 in 2024.
Preliminary figures for 2025 indicate that in the first three quarters alone, 1,735 rape cases were reported, alongside 824 cases of physical assault and 339 cases of domestic violence.
Atty. Golakeh outlined the objectives of this year’s campaign, including strengthening national and county-level GBV coordination, promoting male engagement, amplifying survivor voices, and integrating traditional, community-based, and faith-led responses into national strategies.
The campaign will also feature a National GBV Conference on November 25–26, 2025, focused on digital violence, legal reform, referral systems, and data-driven approaches to tackling GBV.
Other activities during the 16 Days of Activism include the commemoration of International Men’s Day, World AIDS Day, International Day of Disabled Persons, and Human Rights Day, all aimed at fostering awareness and action against GBV across Liberia.
The official campaign color is orange, symbolizing a brighter future free from violence.
Atty. Golakeh concluded by thanking President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, international partners including the EU and UN, and all stakeholders committed to protecting the rights of women and girls in Liberia.
She called on all citizens to remain united in purpose to build a society where everyone can live free from fear and violence.
