Monrovia – A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Medica Liberia (ML), Aiding Disadvantaged Women and Girls (ADWANGA), Rising Youth Mentorship Initiative (RYMI), and the Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD) to enhance legislative accountability in Liberia. This partnership aims to promote accountability among legislators, ensuring they address and prioritize gender-related concerns such as Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
This MOU, part of the broader initiative “Concerted Action for Zero Tolerance Against SGBV in the Mano River Union,” marks a historic accomplishment as, the Legislature’s performance will be graded based on gender-related indicators. This initiative consolidates the voices of feminist organizations and movements to become an influential force in challenging systemic oppression and shifting regional policy through collaborative advocacy.
The collaboration establishes a cooperative framework for monitoring and evaluating the performance of the Liberian Legislature on gender-related issues. The Legislature will be scored on specific indicators, including:
Gender Responsive Budgeting
Number of Gender Mainstreaming Bills Passed
Percentage of National Budgetary Allocation to Combat SGBV
Inclusive Gender Leadership Laws for National and Local Positions
Gender Policies
Mbalu W. Jusu, Head of Program at Medica Liberia, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Liberia and across the Mano River. This MOU lays the foundation for creating lasting change in our fight against SGBV.”
Jusu noted that the collaboration exemplifies the power of unity in tackling systemic challenges. She highlighted that by pooling their expertise and resources, the organizations involved are better positioned to hold the government accountable and ensure that legislative actions reflect the needs and rights of women and girls.
“Through this MOU, we will monitor, advocate, and raise public awareness, while also building the capacity needed to sustain these efforts,” Jusu stated. “With a clear mission to transform policies, shift regional dynamics, and make gender justice a reality, we are confident that with the dedication and passion of everyone involved, we will make meaningful strides towards a violence-free Liberia.”
Dan Saryee, Executive Director of IREDD, also spoke at the event, underscoring the pervasive nature of Gender-Based Violence in Liberia. “Gender-Based Violence is everywhere,” Saryee said. “Women and girls are victims daily, even in the workplace.”
Saryee criticized lawmakers for enacting legislation that fails to adequately address the concerns of vulnerable populations, including women, girls, and young people. He emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing these shortcomings.
This partnership represents a unified effort to ensure that the rights of women and girls in Liberia are protected and that SGBV is addressed with the seriousness it demands. The signing of the MOU is a testament to the shared commitment of these organizations to creating a safer and more equitable society for all.
