Published: July 29, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – In response to an alarming surge in rape and gender-based violence (GBV), the Progressive Student Alliance (PROSA), a political movement at the University of Liberia, has scheduled a nationwide march for August 27 to demand urgent government intervention.
At a news conference held Monday, July 28, on the university’s Capitol Hill campus, PROSA Chairman Justin W. Jallabah Jr. emphasized that the protest is more than an emotional response—it is a united call to end a national emergency.
“This march is more than a protest. It is a passionate endeavor to stand against the alarming rate of sexual and gender-based violence and to unify survivors’ voices in Liberia,” Jallabah said. “It’s not just about outrage—it’s about visibility, solidarity, and change.”
A Nation in Crisis
Jallabah pointed to statistics from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, which recorded 2,759 rape cases between January and October 2024. Of that number, 1,902—or 68.7 percent—came from Montserrado County alone. He explained that this translates to 276 cases per month and nine per day, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
He accused the current Unity Party-led government of failing survivors and called out what he described as the silence of some women’s rights advocates who, after receiving government appointments, have withdrawn from the fight.
Why August 27 Matters
The chosen date of the march is significant, Jallabah noted, as it aligns with anniversaries of several high-profile rape cases that sparked national outrage. He said the date will serve as a moment of national reflection, mourning, and demand for comprehensive reform.
A Call for Government Action
Jallabah said the government must invest in improving investigation and prosecution processes for sexual violence cases. He cited the need for better forensic tools, enhanced training for law enforcement and prosecutors, and fully functional SGBV units in every county.
He stressed the importance of ending impunity and political interference in rape cases, asserting that influence or political connections should not protect perpetrators. According to him, the judicial system must adopt a zero-tolerance approach and safeguard its independence.
He also called for broader support systems for survivors, including safe homes, county-level crisis centers, trauma counseling, legal aid, and timely medical care. Jallabah emphasized that the Rape Law must be strictly enforced and legal definitions surrounding age of consent clarified to protect minors more effectively.
Fighting Stigma and Changing Norms
The PROSA leader urged the government and civil society to launch sustained national campaigns to shift public attitudes about gender violence and encourage survivors to report abuse. He added that traditional and religious leaders must be actively involved in challenging harmful gender norms and practices.
Pushing for Data Transparency
Jallabah proposed the creation of a national GBV data dashboard to track and publicly share statistics on rape cases, court outcomes, and available services. He said such a platform would build public trust and help hold institutions accountable.
No More Silence
Jallabah concluded with a passionate call for collective action.
“Sexual violence is not a private shame—it is a public emergency,” he said. “We are marching not just for ourselves but for every girl silenced by fear, every survivor denied justice, and every voice lost in a system that protects perpetrators and punishes the brave. We will not wait for another case to go viral. We will not wait for justice to come to us.”
Discussion about this post