NRWP CALLS FOR ACTION TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

By Jeremiah Sackie Cooper

Gmail: jeremiahcooper105@gmail.com

Monrovia: The Natural Resource Women Platform (NRWP) is rallying for elimination of violence against women and girls in Liberia. The group made the call in commemoration of the 2024 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Under the theme “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls: Towards Beijing+30,” this year’s observance emphasizes moving “From Talk to Action,” echoing the urgent need for tangible progress in combating gender-based violence.

According to NRWP, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a groundbreaking global framework for advancing women’s rights, as such there should be collective actions to stop violence against women and girls around the world.

Veronica Gray, head of Secretariat of the Natural Resource Women Platform underscores the persistent challenge of violence against women and girls, which continues to undermine health, security, and dignity. She at the same time reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to addressing this pervasive issue through empowerment, advocacy, and education.

‘’Violence against women and girls is unacceptable, violating a women’s rights should not be allow in our society’’ she added. We must stand together to fight this vampire, and help women reach their full potential. For her part, Radiatu H.S. Kahnplaye Policy Advisor of NRWP, emphasized that violence against women and girls continue to impede the fight for gender equality and the realization of broader citizenship rights for women and other marginalized groups. She called on the Liberian government to implement laws and policies promoting the protection of the rights of women and girls in the country.

According to Madam Kahnplaye, when laws and policies are enforced, it will create the space for women voices to be heard in building a vibrant Liberian society. “On this significant anniversary, we renew our commitment to ending violence against women and girls,” said Radiatu H.S. Kahnplaye, Policy Advisor of NRWP. Windor B.K. Smith, Gender Officer of NRWP, reinforced this stance, calling on stakeholders to unite in action. “It’s time to move ‘From Talk to Action’ and make a real difference in our communities in Liberia and beyond,” she said.

She also highlighted the need for preventative measures, justice for survivors, and policies promoting gender equality. The progress report by Liberian government on the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action released in September 2024 disclosed that sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) remains pervasive in Liberia. In 2023, the average of monthly reported cases of SGBV was 267, with a total of 3204 during the year, according to a report by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP). 6 Survivors aged from 0–20 years accounted for 83% or 2662 of reported cases.

According to the 2019-2020 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS), 60% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, and 9% have experienced sexual violence. Less than half (42%) of women who have experienced physical or sexual violence have ever sought help.

This year’s anniversary serves as a reminder that achieving the vision of Beijing+30 requires a unified effort and unwavering commitment to turning words into action. Together, the NRWP and its allies aim to create a future marked by justice, equity, and safety for all. The Natural Resource Women Platform (NRWP) is an umbrella organization of community-based organizations and groups of women dependent on land and natural resources.