By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has reported 2,759 rape cases in 2024, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle against sexual and gender-based violence (GBV). Overall, 3,591 GBV cases were documented last year, with women accounting for the overwhelming majority of victims (3,554), compared to 37 men.
Montserrado County recorded the highest number of incidents, with 2,143 cases, including 1,902 rapes. Other counties such as Lofa, Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa also reported significant figures, reflecting the pervasive nature of GBV nationwide.
The statistics were released on November 23, 2025, during a pre-launch press conference for Liberia’s annual 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, led by Deputy Minister Laura Golakeh.
This year’s campaign theme, “UNiTE to End Violence: Protecting All Women and Children in Our Communities and Digital Spaces,” aligns with the global focus on combating digital violence against women and girls.
Laura said the 16 Days of Activism—observed from November 25 to December 10—serves to raise awareness, mobilize action, and strengthen national and community responses to GBV.
She urged Liberians to confront systemic barriers such as patriarchal practices, harmful traditions, poverty, and gaps in legal frameworks.
Strengthening national and county-level GBV coordination, promoting male engagement in prevention efforts; amplifying survivor voices; integrating traditional, community-based, and faith-led responses into national strategies; progress and persistent challenges and Liberia has made notable strides in addressing GBV, including:
Expansion of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 to eight counties, including Grand Bassa, Maryland, and Bong
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Statutory rape cases (under 18) accounted for 1,485 incidents in 2024, making them the most reported category. Preliminary figures for 2025 show 1,735 rape cases in the first three quarters alone, alongside 824 cases of physical assault and 339 cases of domestic violence.
The campaign will feature a National GBV Conference on November 25–26, focusing on digital violence, legal reform, referral systems, and data-driven approaches.
Other commemorations include International Men’s Day, World AIDS Day, International Day of Disabled Persons, and Human Rights Day, all aimed at fostering awareness and collective action.
