Published: October 6, 2025
MONROVIA — medica Liberia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Plan International, and other partners, has concluded a five-day SASA! training in Montserrado County under the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, aimed at combating gender-based violence and transforming harmful social norms through community-driven action.
More than 66 participants, including community leaders and activists from rural Montserrado, attended the training, which devoted two days to the SASA! setup guide and three days to the “Start” phase — the foundation of the globally recognized model.
SASA!, a Swahili word meaning “Now,” and an acronym for Start, Awareness, Support, Action, was originally developed in Uganda as a proven community-based methodology to address power imbalances, reduce violence, and promote gender equality.
Participants were equipped with practical tools for local activism, leadership engagement, and institutional collaboration to help integrate anti-violence measures within their communities.
“This is the start phase of the project, where participants are reflecting on how they use their own power—positively or negatively,” explained one of the national master trainers. “Many are realizing that violence is not ‘normal’ but rooted in unequal power dynamics.”
Facilitators emphasized that while meaningful change takes time, the training lays a solid foundation for sustainable transformation. Over the next six to eight months, participants will organize community activities and document progress toward reducing violence and strengthening equality.
“We don’t expect overnight results, but this process empowers activists and leaders to start shifting harmful norms,” a facilitator said. “Safer families mean healthier relationships, more financial stability, and better opportunities for children.”
Participants expressed deep gratitude to medica Liberia and its partners for the opportunity, describing the training as a milestone in their ongoing fight against gender-based violence. Many pledged to return to their communities as advocates and change agents promoting peace, safety, and respect for all.
The initiative reinforces the Liberian government’s broader commitment to strengthening collaboration among communities, families, and institutions to build safer, more inclusive, and peaceful societies across the country.
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