MONROVIA — Medica Liberia has launched the second phase of its project aimed at reducing school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) in southeastern Liberia. Titled “Empowering Teachers, Students, and Parents to Take Action Against SRGBV in Southeast Liberia – II,” the project is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the British Embassy in Liberia. This phase builds on the successes of the first, with a stronger focus on enhancing education and safety for students, particularly girls, in rural areas.
At the launch event, Madam Mbalu Jusu, Head of Programs at Medica Liberia, highlighted the achievements of the first phase and elaborated on the expanded scope of the second. The project now includes more rural high schools in Sinoe County, aiming to tackle SRGBV by training teachers, parents, and local education authorities in prevention and response strategies. Medica Liberia has also established Anti-Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) committees and formed boys’ and girls’ clubs in participating schools, providing students with a platform to combat sexual exploitation and abuse while offering peer-led support systems.
A central feature of the second phase is its focus on advocacy and policy dialogue. Medica Liberia is working closely with local and national stakeholders to enforce the national Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) guidelines in schools. This is intended to establish a robust policy framework that addresses current issues and prevents future incidents of SRGBV.
Joanna Markbreiter, Deputy Ambassador of the British Embassy in Liberia, served as the key launcher at the event. She expressed strong support for the initiative, noting that it aligns with the UK’s broader commitment to addressing gender-based violence globally. “I am proud that the UK is supporting Medica Liberia’s work to tackle SRGBV and ensure that all students—boys and girls—have the opportunity to learn in a safe environment,” she said. Markbreiter emphasized the project’s goal of equipping students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships, fostering a supportive learning atmosphere.
The project’s key components include:
- Establishing peer support clubs for boys and girls.
- Training youth champions to prevent and respond to GBV.
- Educating teachers, parents, and education leaders to recognize and address violence early.
- Promoting the message that violence is never the solution.
Markbreiter highlighted the broader issue of SRGBV, describing it as a pervasive global challenge that affects one in three women worldwide. She reflected on how attitudes toward school violence in the UK had shifted over generations, expressing optimism that similar change is possible in Liberia.
Sona Sesay, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Education, thanked Medica Liberia for its efforts and pledged to collaborate on ensuring the safety of girls in schools. She also extended gratitude to the British Embassy for funding the initiative.
Atty. Yah V. Parwon, Country Director of Medica Liberia, called on the Ministry of Education to ensure the effective implementation of policy guidelines across all schools in southeastern Liberia. While she commended the progress made through the establishment of protective structures, including boys’ and girls’ clubs and SEA groups, she emphasized the need for increased awareness and consistent enforcement of SRGBV policies.
Parwon urged the Ministry of Education to distribute copies of relevant guidelines to all public schools in Liberia, underscoring their importance in creating a safe educational environment for all students.
The launch, attended by government officials, British Embassy representatives, youth groups, and members of the University of Liberia, marked a significant milestone in the fight against SRGBV. Medica Liberia, a women’s rights organization, continues to lead efforts to provide holistic support to survivors of gender-based violence, integrating health, legal, and psychosocial services with feminist principles.
The second phase of the project is expected to build momentum in the fight against SRGBV, ensuring that students in Sinoe County and beyond can pursue their education in a safe, supportive environment. Medica Liberia remains instrumental in advocating for systemic change, supported by both national and international partners.
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