Embassy of Sweden and ActionAid Liberia Undertake Joint Mission to Gbarpolu County to Highlight Impacts of Just and Equal Communities Project

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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia:  ActionAid Liberia informs the public that from April 29–30, 2026, the Embassy of Sweden, in collaboration  with  its local partners, will undertake a joint mission visit to Gbarpolu County as part of the wrap-up phase of the Just and Equal Communities (JEC) Project.

Funded solely by the Embassy of Sweden through SIDA, the JEC Project is a five-year, human rights-based initiative implemented by ActionAid Liberia alongside five local partners, Domafiegn, LIWEN, WOCDAL, SAIL, and NATPAH. The project advances gender equality, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and the abandonment of harmful traditional practices across more than 50 communities in Montserrado, Gbarpolu, Bong, Grand Gedeh, and Margibi Counties.

The JEC now in its sixth year (July 2024–June 2025), the project reached over 20,000 people through community-led advocacy, Girls’ and Boys’ Forums, women-led structures, and engagement with traditional, religious, and government leaders. This has contributed to measurable social change, including reduced early marriage and domestic violence, increased reporting and response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), improved school retention for adolescent girls, and public commitments to end female genital mutilation (FGM).

The mission in Gbarpolu County will provide the Embassy delegation with an opportunity to directly engage with local authorities, community-based organizations, and beneficiaries to assess the project’s impact and sustainability.

On April 29, the delegation will:

• Hold a courtesy meeting with the County Superintendent and local leaders
• Engage the County Council on development priorities
• Meet with the Gbarpolu Development Matters Community-Based Organization (CBO), which is leading community outreach on SRHR, SGBV, and harmful practices
• Interact with young people benefiting from the project’s advocacy and leadership initiatives

On April 30, the delegation will:

• Visit the first Traditional Arts School in Parker Town, Gbarma District, established by Domafiegn in collaboration with Change Champions, former traditional leaders (Zoes), and local authorities. The school provides a safe alternative space for girls to learn cultural skills without exposure to harmful practices such as FGM.
• Observe learning sessions and engage directly with participating girls
• Attend the official presentation of the Gbarma District Feminist Movement, a network of over 100 grassroots women advocating for their rights, including SRHR, leadership, and gender equality

The Embassy of Sweden delegation is expected to make a special statement during the Feminist Movement event and engage with women leaders to better understand the initiative’s impact.

The JEC Project demonstrates how locally driven, gender-transformative approaches can deliver meaningful progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 4, and 5), while strengthening community ownership and accountability.