Atty. Yah Vallah Parwon, Country Director of Medica Liberia, has called on government institutions to significantly increase budgetary allocation to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). She emphasized that despite the existence of policies and frameworks to address these issues, their implementation remains severely hampered by insufficient funding.
Speaking at a recent dialogue organized by the Peace Community Development Foundation in Monrovia, Madam Parwon stressed that inadequate financial support weakens the fight against SGBVs and hinders the effectiveness of programs designed to protect vulnerable populations. She suggested that the government could reallocate funds by reducing unnecessary expenditures, such as excessive salaries and benefits, to strengthen critical interventions in the sector.
“We urge the government to cut down on benefits for employees and civil servants to redirect funds towards ministries, agencies, and civil society organizations working tirelessly to address SGBVs,” she stated.
According to the UN Women 2023 SGBV Report, Liberia recorded 3,204 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, with women and girls being disproportionately affected. The report highlights that rape alone accounts for nearly 63% of these reported cases, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action. Madam Parwon pointed out that without increased budgetary allocations, critical measures such as victim rehabilitation programs, legal support services, and nationwide awareness campaigns cannot be effectively implemented.
She further warned that the continued neglect of SGBV-related funding would only exacerbate the suffering of women and girls across the country. While Liberia has established robust legal frameworks to tackle gender-based violence, limited financial resources remain a major impediment to their successful execution.
Madam Parwon urged the government to prioritize increased funding for key institutions, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Liberia National Police, and various civil society organizations. These entities play a crucial role in providing legal, medical, and psychosocial support for survivors while also spearheading preventative initiatives.
