The Feminist Coalition of Liberia has strongly condemned the recent violent assault of a woman and her baby in Gbarpolu County, describing the incident as a disturbing reminder of the persistent violence faced by women and girls under the guise of cultural practices.
The Coalition made up of the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), Liberia Feminist Forum, Medica Liberia, and Sisters for Sisters, and Radical Young Women Initiatives, expressed outrage over a viral video showing the woman and her child being physically abused for allegedly violating the cultural norms of a “Zoe.”
“This horrific act is a clear violation of human rights and a tragic example of how culture is sometimes misused to justify violence against women and children,” the Coalition stated. “While culture plays an important role in shaping identity and community, it must never be used as a tool for intimidation, humiliation, or harm.”
The Coalition emphasized that this incident is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of systemic violence that continues to deny women and girls safety, justice, and dignity in Liberia.
Liberia, as a signatory to several international and regional human rights instruments, is obligated to protect the rights and well-being of women and girls. These include:
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)–which requires states to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women;
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Maputo Protocol–which explicitly prohibits harmful traditional practices that endanger women’s health and lives;
UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security – which calls for the protection of women from gender-based violence and affirms their right to full participation in society.
“These international commitments must translate into action,” the Coalition urged. “No woman or girl should suffer violence in the name of tradition. Culture should be a force for unity, not a weapon of fear and control.”
The Feminist Coalition called on the Government of Liberia, particularly the Ministries of Gender, Internal Affairs, and Justice, to:
Promptly investigate the incident and prosecute those responsible;
Strengthen and enforce laws protecting women and girls from harmful cultural practices;
Intensify public education and community engagement to challenge harmful traditions and promote cultural values that uphold human rights;
Provide immediate psychosocial, medical, and legal support to the survivor and her child.
About the Feminist Coalition
The Feminist Coalition is a gender justice alliance composed of five women-led organizations, WONGOSOL, Liberia Feminist Forum, Medica Liberia, Sisters for Sisters, and Radical Young Women Initiatives. Together, they advocate for the rights of women and girls, campaign against all forms of gender-based violence, and promote inclusive laws, policies, and systems that advance gender equality in Liberia.
“The dignity, safety, and freedom of every woman and girl in Liberia must be non-negotiable,” the statement concluded. “We will continue to hold duty-bearers accountable and demand justice.”
