10/23/2025
Liberia Takes Step Towards Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
MONROVIA, LIBERIA - President Joseph N. Boakai has sent a bill to the House of Representatives for legislative ratification, seeking to domesticate the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. The Convention, signed by Liberia on July 12, 2025, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, aims to establish a comprehensive framework for preventing, responding to, and eliminating violence against women and girls.
The Convention outlines several key issues which includes:
Creating an enabling environment for the eradication of violence against women and girls through strengthened coordination mechanisms among government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners.
Implementing preventive measures to challenge harmful norms and practices, promoting inclusive participation of boys, girls, men, and women in efforts to advance gender equality and women's empowerment.
Providing comprehensive support services for victims and their families, including emergency assistance, counseling, and therapeutic programs. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms within the health, social welfare, and justice sectors to ensure effective responses to incidents of violence.
President Boakai has urged the Legislature to consider and ratify the Convention, citing its alignment with Liberia's national commitment to human rights, gender equity, and sustainable development. The ratification of this Convention would demonstrate Liberia's commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls and promoting a culture of equality and respect.
The move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls in Liberia. If ratified, the Convention will provide a framework for the government and stakeholders to work together to prevent and respond to violence, and provide support to victims and survivors.
Prince J. Miaway
Talk TV Media Network
HOR.