Creating a safer environment for women and girls affected by gender-based violence in Liberia
medica Liberia (mL), formerly medica mondiale Liberia, is a non-governmental women’s rights organization working in Liberia. As part of our core mandate, we deal with women and girls affected by Gender-Based Violence. A key component of our work is the provision of direct services to survivors of Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Since 2006, medica Liberia has been implementing programs for women and girls in Liberia’s south-eastern parts. Currently, our work cuts across our operational communities in four counties: Sinoe, Rivergee, Grand Gedeh, Margibi, and Montserrado.
With support from the German government, UNDP, and other donors, mL has over the years established itself as a haven for women experiencing gender-based violence and is one of the leading women’s rights organizations in Liberia.
Why We Exist
1 in 3 women has experienced SGBV at some point in their lives, with even higher levels registered in West Africa. Liberia currently ranks 177 out of 188 countries on the Gender Inequality Index. In the last 3 years, approximately 66% of reported Sexual & Gender-Based Violence cases have been rape. The Liberian government declared rape a national emergency in 2020. Women comprise 54% of the labour force but a higher proportion of women fall in the lower-earning categories.
Women comprise 90% of the informal agricultural workforce, yet landownership by women is 48%, while male landownership is at 89%.
