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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: At the close of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign in Monrovia, Madam Markonee Knightley, Women’s Rights Manager at ActionAid Liberia, called on women and girls to recognize early warning signs of abuse and prioritize their safety and emotional well-being.
By Benjamin Quaye Johnson
Speaking in solidarity with survivors and victims at the end of 16-days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence of gender-based violence (GBV), Knightley stressed awareness of emotional and economic violence, empowerment, and early intervention in preventing abusive relationships from escalating into violence.
“We must learn to live with emotional balance and understand the red flags that appear in relationships,” Knightley told participants attending the campaign’s closing event. “Sometimes the danger begins with small signs, raised voices, insults, constant arguments, and controlling behavior. When we ignore these signs, the situation can grow worse.”
The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign is observed worldwide to raise awareness and mobilize action to end violence against women and girls.
ActionAid Liberia, civil society organizations, women’s groups, and development partners organized marches, community dialogues, and advocacy activities highlighting the widespread impact of domestic and sexual violence.
In her remarks, Knightley warned that emotional abuse often precedes physical violence and can lead to serious mental health consequences, including depression and loss of self-confidence.
“Depression can destroy a person’s life even before physical violence begins,” she said. “It can make a woman feel that she cannot survive on her own or accomplish anything by herself. That is why we must empower ourselves with knowledge, skills, and the courage to speak out.”
Knightley also cautioned women against remaining in abusive relationships solely for the sake of their children, noting that children who witness violence at home often carry those traumatic experiences into their own lives.
“Some women stay because of the children,” she explained. “But children also see what their mothers go through. They grow up witnessing violence and pain. We must change that narrative.”
She urged women to take action before situations escalate, emphasizing that leaving an abusive environment early can save lives.
“Do not wait until the situation becomes deadly,” Knightley cautioned. “If someone is constantly shouting at you, insulting you, or making you feel worthless, those are warning signs. Learn to walk away so that you can live to tell your story.”
Knightley further called on community members, civil society groups, and non-governmental organizations to continue supporting survivors through advocacy, counseling, and protection services.
The event brought together representatives from several women’s organizations National and international
NGOs who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening support systems for survivors of gender-based violence across Liberia.
She noted that ending GBV requires collective action from government institutions, community leaders, and citizens alike.
Madam Markonee Knightley also called for increased awareness, stronger legal protections, and expanded access to support services for survivors, particularly in rural communities.
Closing her remarks, Knightley encouraged women to find their voices and take control of their futures.
“We must empower ourselves and our daughters,” she said. “Our voices matter, our lives matter, and our stories deserve to be told.”
The closing activities of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence ended with renewed calls for solidarity with survivors and stronger national efforts to combat gender-based violence in Liberia.
At the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Women of Liberia presented a petition to the government through the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Gregory W. Coleman, demanding a transparent investigation into the death of Mrs. Toni Jackson and stronger national action against gender-based violence (GBV).
The petition, presented Monday in Monrovia by members of the Women of Liberia and other civil society advocates, calls for justice in the suspected homicide of Mrs. Jackson, a South African national and the wife of Liberian economist Samuel Jackson.
According to them Reports indicate that the Liberia National Police has declared Mr. Jackson a person of interest in the ongoing homicide investigation following the discovery of a deep laceration on the victim’s head and multiple bruises on her body.
The women noted that Mr. Jackson’s public statements surrounding the incident have raised concerns during a live stream on social media, as he was seen while armed officers conducted a forensic search of his residence.
They also pointed to what they described as shifting explanations from Mr. Jackson initially suggesting the death resulted from a fall and later referencing previous altercations within the relationship.
Women’s rights groups say these developments have intensified fears that the case may be linked to domestic violence.
“This tragic death has raised serious questions that must be answered,” one advocate said during the petition presentation. “We need a transparent investigation so that justice is served and the truth is known.”
The protest and petition coincided with global discussions on women’s rights as world leaders gathered in New York for the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), which focuses on strengthening access to justice for women and girls.
The Women described the situation as a painful reminder that while global leaders debate justice and equality, many women and girls in Liberia continue to face violence and limited protection.
“We are here because we cannot remain silent,” the women declared. “While leaders gather at international conferences discussing justice for women, Liberian women are still protesting for their basic rights and protection.
They highlighted national and international assessments indicating that a significant number of Liberian women experience violence during their lifetime.
They argued that many incidents remain unreported due to fear, stigma, and limited trust in the justice system.
They also cited challenges within the country’s response mechanisms, including limited survivor support services, weak forensic capacity, and inadequate training for some law enforcement personnel handling gender-based violence cases.
“When survivors go to the police, they often encounter difficulties,” an activist explained. “Some officers lack the specialized skills needed to investigate gender-based violence cases effectively. That is why the system must be strengthened.”
In their petition to the Liberia National Police and the government, the women outlined several key demands.
First, they called for an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into Mrs. Jackson’s death, including regular public updates from the police.
They also urged the Ministry of Justice and the courts to ensure fair prosecution if evidence supports criminal charges, emphasizing that no individual should be above the law.
Additionally, the women demanded the full implementation of Liberia’s Domestic Violence Law, particularly provisions requiring protection orders and coordinated referrals for survivors.
The women further called on lawmakers to expedite the establishment of a specialized family court in Liberia to handle cases involving domestic violence and other family-related matters with trained professionals.
They also urged the government to pass additional legislation protecting women and children while strengthening prevention, protection, and prosecution mechanisms for gender-based violence cases.
Key demand focused on expanding survivor services across the country. V called for increased funding and broader geographic access to medical care, psychological counseling, legal aid, and shelter services, especially in rural communities where support systems remain limited.
“Women in rural areas deserve the same protection and services,” the petitioners stated. “They must know where to report abuse and have confidence that the system will respond.”
The group also stressed the need for improved public awareness about reporting mechanisms so that victims and community members understand how and where to seek help.
Despite the grief surrounding the case, the Women said their demonstration was not only about one victim but about the broader struggle for justice for all survivors of gender-based violence in Liberia.
Before concluding the petition presentation, the women expressed solidarity with survivors and victims.
“We stand with all women who have experienced violence,” the advocates declared. “Some did not survive it, but those who did and those who are still suffering must know they are not alone.”
They ended their statement with a renewed call for justice in the death of Toni Jackson and for stronger national action to protect women and girls.
“Justice for Toni Jackson,” the women chanted. “Justice for all survivors.”
In receiving the petition, Inspector General of Police, Col. Gregory W. Coleman, acknowledged the petition, noting GBV’s inclusion in Liberia’s National Security Strategy and the Liberia National Police Strategic Plan (2026–2030).
“We commit to openness and transparency,” Coleman said. “Government is prioritizing solutions to gaps left by donor-funded projects.”
He emphasized that GBV issues have been elevated within Liberia’s National Security architecture. He noted that a new National Security Strategy, recently signed by the government, explicitly includes GBV, and that the Liberia National Police’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 prioritizes addressing such cases.
“We are committing ourselves to the process of openness and transparency,” Coleman told petitioners and participants. “This priority will be manifested in how the government forms projects and allocates resources. We recognize that the burden of GBV has often been left to donor-funded projects, and gaps have emerged as projects close. Government is now prioritizing solutions based on the identified needs.”
Coleman further acknowledged the need for government-led initiatives to fill gaps left by donor-funded projects, signaling potential future investment in GBV prevention, survivor services, and law enforcement capacity building.
They ended the petition with the slogan: “Justice for Toni Jackson,” the women chanted. “Justice for all survivors.”
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