Monrovia- Cllr. Tonieh A. Talery-Wiles, Chairperson, Women Human Rights Defenders of Liberia, has issued a clarion call for urgent and intensified efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and advance gender equality in Liberia.
Monrovia– Cllr. Tonieh A. Talery-Wiles, Chairperson, Women Human Rights Defenders of Liberia, has issued a clarion call for urgent and intensified efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and advance gender equality in Liberia.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the International Women’s Day celebration on Friday, March 7, at the EJS Ministerial Complex Grand Theater in Congo Town, Cllr. Wiles emphasized that while progress has been made, the fight against GBV demands unwavering commitment, stronger legal frameworks, and collective action from all sectors of society.
She urged policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and communities to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to protect women and girls, ensuring justice and empowerment across Liberia.“We must accelerate our action, moving beyond empty words to real, impactful change,” she declared. “This violence is not just a violation of human rights, it is a fundamental barrier to our progress, hindering sustainable development, peace, and prosperity.”
Cllr. Wiles identified gender inequality as the driving force behind much of the violence, pointing to disparities in education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation.
“It silences the voices of women and girls, limiting their potential and undermining their contributions to our nation,” she stated. This year’s International Women’s Day was observed under the global theme “Accelerate Action”, with Liberia adopting the national theme: “Accelerating Action to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Achieve Gender Equality in Liberia.”
Despite Liberia declaring GBV a national emergency and establishing a roadmap to address and prevent it, Wiles warned against complacency, calling for urgent, tangible action. She stressed the importance of strengthening legal and policy frameworks, including amending discriminatory laws and enacting progressive legislation to promote gender equality.
“The Gender Equality Bill, which seeks to address women’s political participation, remains in limbo, while the SDF FGM bill is still under discussion. We must push for legislative action and ensure effective implementation,” she urged.
Cllr. Wiles outlined five key areas that must be prioritized to accelerate change: Strengthening the Justice System – Training law enforcement officers, judges, and prosecutors on gender-sensitive approaches while ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, Providing Survivor Support Services – Expanding access to safe havens, counseling, and legal aid for GBV survivors, Aligning Laws with International Human Rights Standards – Reviewing and revising existing legislation to address evolving forms of GBV, Promoting Economic Empowerment – Supporting women-owned businesses, closing the gender pay gap, and increasing access to finance and markets, and Engaging Men and Boys as Allies – Investing in education and awareness campaigns while partnering with traditional and religious leaders to challenge patriarchal norms.
“An educated girl is less likely to become a child bride, more likely to be economically independent, and more likely to contribute meaningfully to her community,” Wiles emphasized.
She called for collective action to build a Liberia where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality. “We must act with unwavering resolve to create a society where every woman and girl can live free from violence and discrimination.”
Cllr. Wiles stressed that strong partnerships between the government, civil society organizations, international partners, and the private sector are critical in achieving gender equality.
“Ending gender-based violence and achieving gender equality require a collective effort. The government, civil society organizations, international partners, and the private sector must work together to achieve our shared goals,” she stated.
She urged all stakeholders to commit to building a Liberia where women and girls are safe, empowered, and valued.
“Let us accelerate our action and work together to ensure that gender equality is not just a dream but a reality. We must be the generation that ends gender-based violence and creates a truly just and equitable society for all Liberians.”
Cllr. Wiles acknowledged Liberia’s progress in implementing the Beijing Declaration, including a national action plan aligned with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which focuses on women’s participation in peacebuilding.
She commended the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for its role in promoting gender equality and noted the establishment of gender units within Liberia’s security institutions to enhance gender sensitivity.
However, she cautioned that despite these efforts, significant challenges remain in policy implementation. “Resource constraints and institutional capacity gaps continue to hinder progress,” she noted.
Nevertheless, she expressed confidence that with focused attention and unified action, Liberia can accelerate efforts to end GBV and achieve full gender equality.
“Our collective determination will define the future of our nation. Together, we can build a Liberia where every woman and girl can thrive, free from violence and discrimination.”
Gbeme Horace-Kollie, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, delivered the official opening statement, emphasizing the need to reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to protecting every woman and girl.
“This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ reflects the urgency of unlocking equal rights, power, and opportunities for all. The national theme emphasizes the pressing need to address gender-based violence and ensure equal opportunity for every woman and girl in Liberia,” she stated.
She highlighted the progress made since the Beijing Declaration 30 years ago, noting that before 1995, only two countries had legal sanctions against domestic violence. Today, 150 countries have enacted 1,583 legal measures, including 354 specifically targeting domestic violence.
The European Union (EU) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality in Liberia. EU Ambassador Nona Deprez highlighted the newly signed Spotlight Financing Agreement between the EU and the Liberian government as a critical step in addressing GBV and promoting women’s rights.
“As we witness setbacks on gender equality in many parts of the world, it is reassuring to see that it remains a key priority for both the European Union and Liberia,” Amb. Deprez stated.
She described the Spotlight Initiative as part of the EU’s broader partnership with Africa and commended Liberia’s government for ensuring that gender-based violence remains at the forefront of its agenda.
“Violence against women and girls must be tackled with urgency, whether in Liberia, in Europe, or anywhere in the world,” she stressed.
ECOWAS Special Representative Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah delivered a powerful call to action, urging all sectors of society, particularly men to take a stand against GBV.
“Gender-based violence is not something we discuss only on International Women’s Day. It happens in our homes, churches, mosques, workplaces, and entertainment spaces. And too often, we remain silent,” she remarked.
She urged men, including fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons, to actively fight against GBV by becoming ‘HeForShe’ allies who challenge harmful norms and behaviors.
“We need men to stand with us not just today, but every day. Use your influence, your voice, and your platforms to speak out. The reality is, the majority of perpetrators of GBV are men. If we are to end this crisis, men must be at the forefront, speaking out even louder than women.”
ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, Josephine Nkrumah, also honored the resilience of Liberian women, from peace-builders to Nobel Prize winners and today’s change-makers. “I celebrate you for standing tall, for never giving up, and for demanding your rightful place in society.”
She concluded with a renewed call for unity in the fight for gender equality. “Let this be more than just a day of speeches, let it be a turning point. We must walk this path together, side by side. Happy International Women’s Day!”
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