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ADNews-Gbarpolu,Liberia: The Gbarma Feminist Movement has petitioned the Liberian Government, calling for stronger commitment and concrete actions to protect, empower, and advance the rights of women and girls in Gbarma District, Gbarpolu County, and across the country.
The movement was launched on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Gbarma District by local NGO Domafiegn, in collaboration with its partner ActionAid Liberia, with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The initiative aims to promote feminist advocacy not only in Gbarma but throughout Liberia.
In its statement, the group called on the Government of Liberia to strengthen the enforcement of laws and policies that protect women and girls from all forms of violence and harmful traditional practices, including female genital mutilation (FGM), and to ensure its complete eradication.
The movement also urged local and traditional leaders to create more opportunities for women’s participation and leadership in community governance and decision-making processes. It emphasized the importance of recognizing women as equal partners in peacebuilding and national development.
“We appeal to our traditional and local leaders to work with women-led organizations in changing harmful norms, promoting the rights and dignity of women, and building safer and more inclusive communities,” the Gbarma Feminist Movement stated.
Additionally, the group called for greater recognition, support, and collaboration for grassroots women-led organizations, noting that their role remains critical in mobilizing communities and driving sustainable change.
The movement acknowledged the contributions of its partners, ActionAid Liberia, SIDA, and Domafiegn, for their continued support in advancing women’s rights and strengthening local advocacy efforts.
“Their support in promoting women’s rights, advancing advocacy, and empowering local women-led movements has contributed meaningfully to this struggle for justice and transformation,” the statement noted.
The group highlighted key achievements under the Justice and Equal Community (JEC) Project, including training programs and the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VLSAs) for women, as well as the strengthening of feminist networks across Gbarpolu County.
Speaking at the launch, Domafiegn Executive Director, Mr. Bioma Coleman, said the organization has been working closely with women and girls to help them understand and assert their rights.
“We have been working with women and girls to ensure they understand their rights and take practical steps to demand those rights,” Coleman said. “Now they clearly understand their importance and are organizing themselves through women-led networks to engage duty bearers and advocate for the protection of their rights.”
Also speaking, ActionAid Liberia Country Director, Madam Elizabeth Gbah Johnson, said the Justice and Equal Community Project has produced significant results by empowering women through organized networks.
“I am very excited about how far the women of Gbarpolu have come,” Madam Johnson said. “At ActionAid, we focus on empowerment by ensuring that beneficiaries take charge of their own development and responsibilities.”
The launch of the Gbarma Feminist Movement marks a significant step in strengthening grassroots advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality in rural Liberia.
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