Bridging the Gap: The Urgent Need for National Ownership and Sustainable SGBV Services in Liberia

Despite progress in recent years, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a deeply rooted issue in Liberia, threatening human rights and national development. The absence of strong national ownership over SGBV prevention and response efforts continues to undermine sustainability and long-term impact. Survivors continue to face the trauma of abuse compounded by inadequate access to critical services, limiting their recovery and justice (Medica Liberia, 2023).

This service gap perpetuates violence and impunity. Many survivors lack access to medical care, psychosocial support, or legal aid. Although Liberia has introduced key policies like the Gender Policy and National GBV Action Plan, implementation is weak due to dependence on external funding (Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, 2020).

The underfunded Anti-SGBV Roadmap (2020–2022) highlights a disconnect between political promises and real investment. From 2019 to 2023, government funding for SGBV services remained inconsistent, with little allocated for vital services such as safe homes, legal support, or survivor rehabilitation (Feminist Alliance Budget Analysis, 2023).

Only 13 one-stop centers serve the entire country, mostly urban and under-resourced. Many counties lack designated spaces for survivors. Of the nine existing safe homes, only a few are functional; others face closure due to funding shortages (Medica Liberia, 2023).

Justice mechanisms also lag. Criminal Court E, designated for sexual offenses, is operational in only three counties. Limited court capacity and lack of transport funds—mostly donor-funded—further hinder access to justice (UNDP Liberia, 2023).

Reported SGBV cases rose from 2,156 in 2013 to 3,204 in 2023 (Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, 2023). Civil society actors, like the Feminist Alliance, have stepped up support, but long-term impact requires national ownership.

Budget reviews show frequent gaps between allocated and disbursed funds. For example, US$1 million budgeted in 2020/21 for anti-rape efforts was largely redirected to unrelated projects. Many budgets lacked clear lines for SGBV service delivery (Feminist Alliance Budget Analysis, 2023).

Liberia must prioritize sustainable, government-led investment in SGBV services. National ownership must be at the heart of this approach—ensuring that responsibility, funding, and implementation are driven by the government and aligned with local needs. This includes:

• Creating dedicated budget lines for safe homes, one-stop centers, and survivor funds.
• Expanding access to justice by operationalizing more Court E branches.
• Institutionalizing safe homes within government frameworks.
• Training and equipping rural personnel to handle SGBV cases.

SGBV is not just a legal or health issue; it’s a development and human rights crisis. A nationally funded, survivor-centered approach is essential to protect the dignity and rights of Liberia’s women and girls. For more detailed insights, access the full Policy Brief on the budget analysis. https://medicaliberia.org/2025/02/27/feminist-alliance-launches-liberias-budget-analysis-report-highlighting-gaps-in-sgbv-funding-and-calling-for-national-ownership/