Clarion Call To Take Measure Aimed At Mitigating Gender Violence

Monrovia, Liberia: As Liberia joins the global community on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, legal experts and gender advocates are calling for urgent and decisive action to combat the persistent crisis of gender-based violence (GBV).

One of such legal and gender pundits, Cllr. Tonieh A. Talery-Wiles, Chairperson of the Women Human Rights Defenders of Liberia, has sounded the alarm on the worsening scourge of sexual violence, domestic abuse, and harmful traditional practices. 

Speaking at an International Women’s Day event, she described gender-based violence (GBV) as an “emergency” that demands immediate, unwavering commitment from all sectors of society.

“Gender-based violence is not just a violation of human rights—it is a fundamental barrier to Liberia’s progress. It hinders sustainable development, peace, and prosperity,” she stated.

While Liberia has made strides in tackling gender-related issues, advocates argue that complacency is not an option. Cllr. Talery-Wiles urged lawmakers to amend discriminatory laws and pass progressive legislation, particularly the long-debated Gender Equality Bill.

Concerns are also mounting over the stalled Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Bill, which remains in legislative limbo, leaving thousands of girls at risk.

“We need urgent legal reforms to protect women and girls. Justice must be accessible, perpetrators must be held accountable, and laws must be enforced with unwavering resolve,” she asserted.

Beyond legislation, the advocates stress that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to combat GBV. Cllr. Talery-Wiles outlined key strategies, including training law enforcement officers and judicial officials to handle GBV cases effectively and strengthening survivor support services, such as safe homes, counseling, and legal aid.

Cllr. Talery-Wiles emphasized that economic empowerment is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of abuse. She stressed that financial independence enables women to escape abusive situations and reach their full potential.

“Women must have access to education, skills training, and employment opportunities. We must close the gender pay gap and support women-owned businesses,” she urged.

Also beyond legal and economic reforms, shifting societal attitudes remains a major challenge, Cllr. Taler-Wiles empathized. The advocate stressed that engaging men and boys is crucial in dismantling harmful gender stereotypes.

“We need traditional and religious leaders to be partners in this fight. Ending GBV requires a cultural shift, and men must be part of that change,” Cllr. Talery-Wiles noted.

She also highlighted the importance of investing in education, particularly for girls, as a means of prevention.

“An educated girl is less likely to become a child bride and more likely to contribute meaningfully to her country’s development,” she added.

While commending Liberia’s progress in implementing the Beijing Declaration and UN Security Council Resolution 1325—which promotes women’s participation in peacebuilding—Cllr. Talery-Wiles cautioned that significant challenges remain in policy implementation.

“Resource constraints and institutional capacity gaps continue to hinder progress. We must ensure that gender policies are not just words on paper but are fully implemented,” she warned.

She called for stronger partnerships between the government, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector to accelerate gender equality efforts.

As International Women’s Day serves as a moment for reflection and action, gender advocates are urging a united front to accelerate change.

“Liberia’s future depends on how well we empower and protect women and girls. We must be the generation that ends gender-based violence and builds a truly just and equitable society,” Cllr. Talery-Wiles concluded.

With growing national and international attention on gender issues, the time for action is now. Only through collective efforts—strengthening policies, enforcing laws, and changing societal attitudes—can Liberia create a safer, more equitable future for all women and girls.

Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.