By Rachel Kaykiamien,
Maryland County -The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), in partnership with UN Women and with support from the European Union in Liberia, has launched activities under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 aimed at reducing sexual and gender-based violence and promoting gender equality across the country.
The initiative officially began in Maryland County with a one-day inception meeting held in Harper City, bringing together government officials, civil society groups, women’s rights organizations, youth leaders, and community stakeholders. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination and improving collective efforts to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.
Participants used the engagement to introduce the project, identify local priorities, and improve collaboration among actors working in the gender-based violence response system.
Following the launch, WONGOSOL will conduct a two-day stakeholder mapping and assessment across eight counties to identify key organizations, available services, referral pathways, and existing gaps in prevention and response efforts. The exercise will also explore opportunities for stronger coordination among service providers and partners.
The Spotlight Initiative 2.0 will be implemented in Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Bassa, and Bong counties.
The programme aims to strengthen civil society capacity, improve advocacy, and promote survivor-centered responses to sexual and gender-based violence.
Partners say the overall goal is to improve access to services for survivors and build stronger coordination systems that support long-term efforts toward gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across Liberia.
