Liberia: Implementing New Laws on Rape
“The Trust Fund is Liberia’s ally in [our] effort to end the culture of violence and impunity, so that women and girls […] can enjoy their full human rights. In Liberia, currently three initiatives are benefiting from Trust Fund grants. They are helping us to implement the laws that we make. The Trust Fund grants support organizations in my country that will watch how the laws on inheritance and property and the two news laws on rape are actually implemented. Are the judgments fair? Are they applied equally in rural and urban areas? Additionally, to see that the 900 local judicial and traditional court officials can more effectively apply the existing anti-violence laws, the project is building their capacity and providing training.
“Another grant focuses on rural communities to strengthen women’s organizations and other groups so they can effectively monitor, document and report cases of violence against women. The project will provide important data for my government’s work on strategies and solutions. And a third effort underway informs and mobilizes people at the community level, paying particular attention to involving men and youths. If we are to change attitudes and practices, it is imperative that we offer non-violent forms of conflict resolution and that we include all Liberians.”
-- President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, in a message on the occasion of the 10th anniversary commemoration of the Trust Fund to End Violence against Women
