Monrovia, Liberia: Tensions are escalating between the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) over the ministry’s response to the alarming rise in violence against women and children in Liberia.
Barely a week after SUP’s Women’s Presidium criticized the ministry for its silence on the surge in mysterious deaths of women and children, Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie has pushed back, calling the accusations “deliberate and misleading propaganda.”
The dispute was ignited when Bendu M.Q. Kamara, head of SUP’s Women’s Bureau, accused the ministry of failing to take a strong stance against gender-based violence.
The student movement further threatened unspecified actions to hold the ministry accountable for ensuring the safety and dignity of women and children.
In response, the ministry issued a press statement refuting the claims, asserting that it has been proactive in advocating for the rights of women, children, and vulnerable groups.
The statement highlighted various initiatives, including support for gender-based violence survivors as well as programs addressing children in street situations.
The ministry also pointed to multiple public engagements, such as radio appearances on OK FM in 2024 and ELBC Nightline in January 2025, where officials condemned violence against women and children.
It further emphasized its stance against recent high-profile cases, including the tragic death of Princess Zou in December 2024.
However, SUP’s Rapid Response Bureau remains firm in its stance, accusing the ministry of failing to push for robust policy reforms. The group claims that over 2,000 rape cases were reported between January and October 2024, yet justice has not been served for many victims.
SUP also dismissed the ministry’s defense as an attempt to deflect from its inaction, stating that student activists will continue to highlight issues affecting women and children, despite being accused of politicizing the matter.
As the debate intensifies, it remains to be seen whether the Ministry of Gender will take further steps to address the growing concerns or if student activists will escalate their actions in response.
Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.
