(Monrovia, Liberia) A wave of emotion and urgency swept through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection few days ago as a group of protestors stormed the Ministry, calling for justice in ongoing rape cases across the country.
In response to the demonstration, Deputy Gender Minister, Atty. Laura Golakeh, personally addressed the crowd, acknowledging their frustration and reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to fighting sexual and gender-based violence in Liberia.
“We hear your cries, and we stand with you,” Atty. Golakeh said. “Justice is not just a demandit is a right, and we are working tirelessly with the relevant institutions to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under the law.”
The protest, largely peaceful but emotionally charged, was headed by concerned citizens advocating for what they termed as a more robust action against rape and that perpetrators be apprehended without delay.
Minister Golakeh urged protestors to continue engaging constructively and promised increased transparency from the Ministry regarding case follow-ups and survivor support initiatives.
“We cannot solve this crisis in silence. Your voices matter,” she added, emphasizing the Ministry’s ongoing collaborations with the Ministry of Justice and civil society organizations.
