Published: August 6, 2025
Monrovia — The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has launched a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at curbing drug and substance abuse as well as domestic violence, with its first major outreach held in West Point, one of Monrovia’s most densely populated communities.
Held under the theme “Breaking the Chain,” the campaign brought together more than 50 residents, including women, youth, and community leaders, for an interactive session focused on the social, legal, and health consequences of drug abuse and gender-based violence.
AFELL’s First Vice President, Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley, said the initiative is part of the group’s broader effort to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, who are disproportionately affected by Liberia’s growing drug crisis.
“Women are feeling the pinch the most because the end users of drugs are their children,” Cllr. Kelley told the participants. “Drug abuse is also connected to gender-based violence, and this is deeply concerning.”
Kelley described the situation as alarming and called for collective national action.
“We need to act now. This is everybody’s business,” she said, adding that AFELL is committed to sustaining the campaign and extending it to other high-risk communities.
She also pledged AFELL’s support for the planned August 7 National March Against Drug Abuse, calling it another vital step in the country’s fight against the drug epidemic.
Raising Awareness Through Education
The one-day campaign, organized in collaboration with the Clooney Foundation for Justice/Waging Justice for Women Fellowship Program, featured several expert-led sessions on the intersections of drug abuse, domestic violence, and public health.
Cllr. Sundaiway Nelson Amegashie, AFELL’s Secretary General, conducted a session on understanding gender-based violence and its impact on communities. She urged participants to use legal channels to address abuse.
“Respect each other and use the law to address rape and other issues in your community,” she said.
Rev. Chinnie M. Sieh, a registered nurse and co-founder of the Home of Dignity, spoke on the health risks associated with substance abuse. She stressed that drug use not only increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections but also erodes Liberia’s human capital.
“Young people must understand that selling or abusing drugs is not a way out,” Rev. Sieh said. “We need stronger laws and proactive enforcement to win this fight.”
Legal Empowerment and Support Services
Attorney Christina Ploe Doe briefed attendees on AFELL’s legal aid efforts, including support for survivors of gender-based violence. She emphasized that many victims are unaware of their rights and encouraged community members to seek help from AFELL’s legal aid clinics.
Community Response and Commitment
Nelly Cooper, head of the West Point-based group West Women for Health and Development, thanked AFELL for bringing the campaign directly to the people.
“This was not just educational, it was an eye-opener,” Cooper said. “We promise to serve as ambassadors and spread the message against drug abuse and domestic violence.”
AFELL said the outreach campaign will continue in other at-risk communities across the country in the coming weeks as part of its ongoing advocacy for safer, healthier, and more just communities.
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