Community-Led Campaign Against SGBV/Harmful Practices Launched in Grand Gedeh County - FrontPageAfrica

The National Coalition Against Harmful Practices (NACAHP), the Grand Gedeh GBV and Child Protection Network, Civil Society Organizations, and UN Women Liberia launched the impactful community-level advocacy campaign in Grand Gedeh County, is supporting the government to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Harmful Practices. The campaign initiative also promotes the passage of the Women and Girls Protection Act (WPA) of 2025/2026

This campaign is part of a nationwide, eight-county effort, under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, funded by the European Union through UN Women Liberia. In Grand Gedeh County, four districts (Tchien, Konobo, Bhai, and Cavala) were engaged through community dialogues, stakeholders forums, and live in-studio community radio programming to prevent SGBV, eliminate harmful practices (especially FGM), end child marriage, eradicate trial by ordeal, and build support for the Women and Girls Protection Act that is currently before the Liberian Legislature. The awareness-raising drive is in full alignment with the 2026 International Women’s month Give to Gain global theme and Spotlight Initiative 2.0’s unified advocacy approach.

The campaign kicked off its first activity in Duogee Town on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, before extending to other communities. During these engagements, residents participated in discussions highlighting the harmful impact of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and the urgent  need for collective action to safeguard women and girls. Campaign objectives were to raise awareness, strengthen prevention efforts, and ensure survivors have access to referral pathways and psychosocial support. At the same time, the campaign educated citizens about the provisions and benefits of the Women and Girls Protection Act (WPA).

County authorities unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Welcoming the County GBV Task Force, NACAHP, and UN Women to Zwedru, Duogee, Pennokon,  and Jazon towns, local leaders described the advocacy campaign as a national call to action.

During a courtesy visit, Grand Gedeh County Acting Superintendent, Hon. Jarwee N. Suku, expressed strong support for the initiative. “The County authorities are in full support of this campaign. I listened to your radio broadcast this morning, and your messaging was excellent: I heard you say you will visit communities, hold dialogues about fighting rape, child marriage, and that transportation will be available to make movements easier for our people. We are in full support of this activity,”he said. “It is our hope that you can reach more communities in Grand Gedeh with these messages.”

Community leaders reinforced this commitment. Youth leader Obediah Tarley and Paramount Chief Emmanuel Krayee of Dougee Town, Bhai District, emphasized that while traditions must be respected, they should never be used to justify harmful practices. Both highlighted the importance of empowering women and girls through education and leadership.

In Jazon Town, Chairlady Decontee Gaye pledged her full support, while Town Chief Arthur Glahn said he was deeply touched: “The campaign messages, especially the emphasis on educating the girl child, touched my heart. We will work to stop child marriage and fight rape and encourage our girls to go to school”

Civil Society Organizations, including ActionAid, Medical Liberia, and Books Before Boys spoke about their ongoing work in providing psychosocial support to survivors of violence. All speakers stressed the urgency to addressing rape, forced child marriage, domestic violence, and trial by ordeal, which continue to affect women and girls in rural communities.

“As the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP), we carry the responsibility of leading efforts to protect and promote the rights of women and girls here in Grand Gedeh County. This is not just about delivering messages. It is about ensuring that those messages are reflected in our everyday actions and in the way our communities operate. The campaign messages being shared must be embraced and put into practice by all,” said MOGCSP Social Worker Mr Nathaniel Gee. He urged the men to become strong players of change. “We also call on men and boys to step forward as agents of change championing respect, equality, and the protection of women and girls, and helping to end harmful practices and all forms of sexual and gender-based violence in our communities.”, he said.

UN Women Liberia’s Program Support Officer/ Coordinator for the Southeastern Counties, Ms. Oretha Lah-Bangurah, has reiterated the urgent need for stronger, more coordinated community actions  to address SGBV and advance gender equality at the grassroots level. Commending the women for their active participation and involvement in the ongoing community-driven advocacy and awareness to end SGBV, harmful practices, and supporting the passage of the Women and Girls Protection Act (WGPA) in Grand Gedeh County, she also called for open and inclusive community dialogues to tackle  the root causes of violence, challenge harmful norms, and develop collective solutions. Highlighting the importance of accountability and support, Ms. Lah-Bangurah  urged communities to stop blaming survivors, report incidents of abuse, and stand in solidarity with women and girls. She further  encouraged communities to take full ownership of the campaign, stressing that meaningful progress requires collective action. “UN Women is very pleased to collaborate with partners to end SGBV and promote the passage of the Women and Girls Protection Act throughout Liberia. This requires a collective effort. We need all of you involved.” She said

The National Administrator for the National Coalition Against Harmful Practices (NACAHP), Ms. Marian Deah, emphasized respect for Liberia’s rich culture while calling for the removal of harmful practices. “Culture should be a source of pride and empowerment, not pain or oppression,” she said. “By creating pathways for women to access education, leadership, and protection, communities can transform traditions into strengths rather than barriers.”

The campaign in Duogee, Pennokon, Jazon, and Zwedru towns marked a significant step in mobilizing local voices to challenge harmful practices, advocate for education, and build safer communities for women and girls. To this end, community leaders expressed gratitude for the initiative and encouraged continued engagement to ensure both men and women understand the importance of equality and empowerment.

 Campaign activities in all visited communities were done through dialogues, breakout sessions, one-on-one interviews, testimonials, and town hall meetings. Many traveled from neighboring villages to attend the main events, where they received key messages to take back home and share within their communities. These engagements drew nearly 300 participants including 50 local chiefs and community leaders. Additionally, two live radio programs reached thousands of listeners in Grand Gedeh and adjoining counties.