Liberia Launches Upgraded GBV Information System as Rape Statistics Raise Concern

By Laymah Kollie

MONROVIA, Liberia — October 13, 2026: The Government of Liberia, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other development partners, has launched an upgraded Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBV-IMS) to strengthen the reporting, tracking and response to sexual and gender-based violence across the country.

The system was officially launched Tuesday at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, with stakeholders describing the initiative as a major step toward improving survivor-centered services, strengthening institutional accountability and addressing longstanding gaps in Liberia’s response to gender-based violence (GBV).

Speaking at the launch, UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Mady Baiye disclosed that an average of four women and girls are raped daily in Liberia, with adolescent girls accounting for three of the reported victims.

Dr. Baiye also expressed concern over delays in accessing critical medical services, revealing that only 47 percent of women and girls raped over the past five years reportedly sought assistance within 72 hours of the incident. Meanwhile, only 31 percent of rape survivors received post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within the same period.

The figures highlight persistent challenges in providing timely medical attention and underscore the need for stronger prevention measures and improved access to psychosocial support, legal assistance and protection services for survivors.

“Today, we are not just deploying a database; we are launching a vital tool for end-to-end accountability for women and girls across Liberia,” Dr. Baiye said.

He explained that the upgraded platform is intended to address fragmented reporting systems and the lack of standardized, securely managed information on gender-based violence.

According to him, reliable data will enable government institutions and service providers to identify patterns of violence, direct resources to affected communities, improve referrals and strengthen the delivery of essential services.

The system is built around four key pillars: standardized incident reporting, survivor-centered services, safe data management and evidence-driven action.

Dr. Baiye stressed that the initiative extends beyond the introduction of new technology, emphasizing that its success will depend on how effectively the information is used to improve services and ensure that survivors receive the protection and justice they deserve.

UNFPA Donates ICT Equipment to Gender Ministry

Ahead of the official launch, UNFPA handed over information and communications technology (ICT) equipment to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to support the implementation and operation of the upgraded system.

The donation includes four laptop computers, one data server and accessories, 40 tablets, 60 solar power banks, networking equipment and accessories, as well as high-speed internet installation with a one-year subscription.

The equipment is expected to enhance the Ministry’s technical and operational capacity, particularly in collecting timely information, managing cases and coordinating services for survivors.

Dr. Baiye said the donation reflects UNFPA’s continued commitment to helping Liberia address gender-based violence through stronger institutions, improved information management and better coordination among service providers.

He emphasized the importance of establishing the necessary technical infrastructure to support timely data collection and coordinated responses across all 15 counties.

The UNFPA representative also acknowledged the Ministry of Gender, national institutions, civil society organizations and frontline workers for their contributions to the initiative.

He specifically commended the European Union for its support through the Spotlight Initiative, which helped facilitate UNFPA’s technical assistance in developing the reporting and management system.

UN Calls for Stronger Coordination Among Service Providers

In remarks at the ceremony, the United Nations Resident Coordinator described the GBV-IMS as an important instrument for strengthening coordination among institutions responsible for preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

The UN representative noted that fragmented reporting and the absence of unified data have made it difficult for authorities to track trends in violence, assess the effectiveness of interventions and ensure that survivors receive adequate care and justice.

The upgraded system is expected to improve coordination among healthcare professionals, psychosocial service providers, legal practitioners and security institutions. It is also intended to help authorities identify gaps in services and monitor responses to reported cases.

The United Nations emphasized that the platform must operate under strict standards of confidentiality, data integrity and survivor protection.

Stakeholders, including police officers, healthcare workers, social workers, judicial authorities and civil society organizations, are expected to play critical roles in ensuring that information collected through the system is handled responsibly and used to improve services.

The Resident Coordinator also acknowledged the European Union’s contribution through Spotlight Initiative 2.0 and UNFPA’s technical leadership in developing the system.

Data Protection and Survivor Safety Remain Critical

While welcoming the launch, UNFPA emphasized that the effectiveness of the GBV-IMS will depend on the responsible handling of sensitive information and the ability of service providers to translate data into practical interventions.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Liberian government and civil society organizations to strengthen technical capacity, improve data protection and expand survivor-centered services nationwide.

“Data alone does not end gender-based violence—action does,” Dr. Baiye emphasized, noting that the system should help make interventions smarter, faster, more targeted and more impactful.

The launch comes as Liberia continues efforts to strengthen the protection of women, girls and other vulnerable groups against sexual and gender-based violence.

For survivors, the system is expected to contribute to a more coordinated response by improving the management of referrals and access to medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance and protection services.

However, stakeholders maintain that the protection of survivors’ identities and personal information must remain a priority as institutions begin using the platform.

Effective Implementation Will Determine Impact

Despite the launch, the long-term success of the GBV-IMS will depend on effective implementation, institutional capacity, sustained funding and the commitment of service providers to protect survivors’ privacy.

UNFPA has reiterated its determination to support the Government of Liberia in efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls.

The agency has also called for sustained collaboration among government institutions, development partners and communities to ensure that the new system produces tangible improvements in survivor care, accountability and access to justice.

As implementation begins, a major challenge will be ensuring that improved data management translates into timely services, stronger protection mechanisms and better access to justice for survivors across all 15 counties.

With rape statistics continuing to raise concern, the success of the initiative will ultimately be measured not simply by the technology introduced, but by whether it helps institutions respond more effectively, protects survivors and improves access to essential services.

For Liberia, the launch represents an important step forward. The real test, however, will be whether the system delivers meaningful results for women and girls affected by gender-based violence.

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