UN Women Liberia Official Calls for Urgent Action to Combat Violence Against Women on and offline

Monrovia — UN Women Liberia’s Deputy Country Representative, Ms. Yemi Falayajo, has issued a strong call to action as the country launches the 16 Days of Activism 2025 campaign, urging all Liberians to unite against violence targeting women and girls in both physical and digital spaces.

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By Patience M. Jones

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Speaking at the ceremony in Monrovia, Ms. Falayajo warned that Liberian women and girls continue to face rising levels of digital violence, compounded by the already high rates of abuse occurring in homes, schools, marketplaces, and workplaces.

“The women and girls of Liberia, like their sisters across the world, are no exception to digital violence. Let us not forget that they already face high levels of violence offline. From homes to schools, markets to workplaces, gender-based violence remains a deeply rooted challenge. Digital violence adds another layer, often invisible, unreported, and misunderstood,” she said.

She further highlighted that structural barriers, including harmful gender norms and chronic underfunding, are deepening the crisis and slowing progress in protecting women and girls.

“Structural barriers such as harmful gender norms and underfunding continue to impede progress. Major gaps persist as few countries have laws on online abuse, and the enforcement of existing legislation is weak,” Ms. Falayajo noted.

According to her, survivors of digital and offline violence face significant challenges—including limited reporting mechanisms, weak access to justice, and a lack of accountability from online platforms.

“Survivors endure stigma and inadequate support. Impunity, compounded by the anonymity and transnational nature of digital crimes, restricts their access to essential services, including justice,” she concluded.

The 16 Days of Activism Campaign, observed globally, calls for intensified efforts to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against women and girls.