“There are four key gaps identified in this analysis: funding gaps, implementation barriers, infrastructure deficiencies, and dependency on donor aid. These gaps are truly detrimental to the fight against SGBV in Liberia and the region.” – Fenny Taylor-Diggs, Project Manager, medica Liberia.
Monrovia, Liberia – The Feminist Alliance – Liberian Chapter, comprising medica Liberia, ADWANGA, and RYMI, has officially launched its comprehensive National Budget Analysis Report on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Services. The report sheds light on critical funding gaps and emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable, national ownership of SGBV services in Liberia.
The launch, held yesterday in Monrovia, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Justice. The event also welcomed civil society organizations, feminist movements, development partners, donor agencies, media representatives, survivors, community advocates, and members of the National Legislature.
Examining government budget allocations over the past five years, the report reveals a troubling trend of inadequate funding, inconsistent financial commitments, and a heavy reliance on donor support to sustain essential services for SGBV survivors.
Reflecting on this collective commitment, Hon. Moima Briggs-Mensah, House of Representative Chairperson on Gender, stated,
In her statement, she emphasized that it is the responsibility of civil society to hold lawmakers accountable for the duties they have been entrusted with. She further noted the importance of ensuring that analyses like this do not solely focus on rape but also address other critical issues affecting women, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and broader societal challenges.
“It is time for CSOs to call out public officials and put them on record. This budget analysis is a welcome development, and we fully support it. We believe it is not just a report but a working tool that can drive meaningful action”.
Also speaking at the launch, Madam Aisha Lai, Country Director of Kvinna till Kvinna, thanked medica Liberia for taking the lead on this important initiative. She stressed the significance of the budget analysis, especially during critical moments like this, and pledged her full support on behalf of Kvinna till Kvinna.
“I think it is also important to recognize and find a collective way for us, as CSOs, to communicate and collaborate with line government ministries in identifying gaps in the fight against SGBV and developing solutions to address these challenges.”
Dr. Cynthia Blapooh, from the Ministry of Health spoke on behalf of the Minister of Health. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the impact of this analysis and its role in providing safe spaces across Liberia.
“One-Stop–Centers are not available in all counties, which is a critical issue. However, the Ministry of Health has prioritized SGBV, and as part of our 2025 plan, we are committed to decentralizing One-Stop Centers in all 15 counties of Liberia.”
Despite Liberia’s progress in addressing gender-based violence through legal reforms and policy frameworks, persistent financial neglect continues to leave many survivors without access to crucial support services.
The findings point to significant gaps in government allocations, with critical initiatives such as the Anti-SGBV Road Map receiving minimal to no budgetary support in some fiscal years.
Although policies aimed at addressing SGBV exist, their implementation is consistently hindered by insufficient funding and a lack of oversight. This results in ineffective service delivery across the nation.
Infrastructure deficiencies, such as the limited availability of safe homes, one-stop centers, and legal assistance—particularly in rural areas—further exacerbate the situation.
Alarmingly, the report highlights that over 70% of Liberia’s SGBV response mechanisms rely on international funding, posing a significant challenge to long-term sustainability.
medica Liberia Country Director, Cllr. Yah V. Parwon officially launch the Budget analysis.
“By launching this report, we are not just presenting data; we are demanding concrete action for adequate funding to support the fight against SGBV in Liberia and the Mano River region.”
She emphasized that advocacy is about ensuring the government prioritizes SGBV activities in Liberia, rather than providing general funding for broader areas like SRHR.
“Safe homes should not rely solely on donor support. This highlights the critical role that CSO advocacy has played over the years. In our advocacy, we have also focused on gender justice, particularly through a gender analysis of budgeting and funding aimed at ending SGBV in Liberia and the Mano River region.”
Today, we are proud to launch the National Budget Analysis Report on SGBV Services in Liberia, a critical document that highlights the persistent funding gaps, infrastructure challenges, and over-reliance on donor aid that undermine the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. This report is more than data—it is a call to action for sustainable national ownership, urging the government, civil society, and development partners to prioritize adequate funding and comprehensive support systems for survivors. Together, we must ensure that addressing SGBV becomes a national priority, with consistent resources allocated to protect the rights and dignity of all Liberians.”
During the launch event, other donors and partners like UN Women, emphasized the importance of national ownership in addressing SGBV. A UN Women rep said , “Liberia’s fight against SGBV cannot continue to depend on external donors. A committed national budget for SGBV services is necessary to ensure sustainability and effectiveness. Survivors deserve consistent access to justice, healthcare, and protection, regardless of donor priorities.”
Further highlighting the funding gap faced by Liberia National Police-Women and Children Division. ACP Suzie Telleh, head of WACPS said
“The fight against SGBV cannot be achieve without meaningful funding specially by our own government”.
The overall launched on highlighted the call for national ownership of SGBV services to ensure sustainability.
By: Aaron Ireland
