-In Red Light
Monrovia: The Amplifying Rights Network is calling for increased investment in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in schools and at community levels in Liberia, following the recent sexual harassment and mob violence against a young woman in the commercial precinct of Red Light, Paynesville. In a statement issued Friday, May 8, 2026, the network condemned what it described as a disturbing act of public humiliation and sexual harassment perpetrated against the young woman simply because of her mode of dressing.
The incident, which involved a mob turning on the victim because they insisted that she didn’t dress properly has been condemned as a gross violation of her fundamental human rights. “No woman or girl deserves to be harassed, assaulted, or subjected to violence because of what she wears,” the network said. “Blaming victims based on dress code only reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and promotes a culture where violence against women and girls is normalized.”
Amplifying Rights Network (ARN) is a prominent advocacy coalition in Liberia consisting of ten diverse community-based and national civil society organizations. The network is primarily dedicated to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), public health, and human rights through national advocacy and policy reform.
The group has emphasized that the Red Light incident is a painful reminder of why CSE is urgently needed. Unlike morality-based approaches, the network said, comprehensive sexuality education helps young people understand issues of consent, mutual respect, bodily autonomy, gender equality, and responsible behavior.
“Proper sexuality education challenges harmful social norms that fuel sexual and gender-based violence,” the statement read. The Amplifying Rights Network further urged community leaders, parents, schools, religious institutions, youth groups, and policymakers to work collectively in promoting values of tolerance, respect, and protection for women and girls. “Violence should never be justified under the guise of morality or culture,” the group added.
In addition to the call for education, the network called on relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that all those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law. “Justice must prevail, and clear measures must be taken to prevent future occurrences,” the statement said. As a society, the group urged citizens to reject mob justice, condemn all forms of sexual harassment and gender-based violence, and create safe spaces where women and girls can live freely without fear of intimidation, abuse, or public humiliation.
Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police (LNP) says it has launched an investigation and operational efforts to identify and arrest individuals seen in the viral video allegedly participating in the unlawful public assault, harassment, and degrading treatment of the female.
“The conduct displayed in the video is unlawful, degrading, and wholly inconsistent with the values of a democratic society governed by the rule of law. The public humiliation and forcible undressing of any person represent serious violations of individual dignity, personal security, and fundamental human rights,” the LNP noted in a statement dated Friday, May 8, 2026.
Red Light is widely considered the largest and busiest commercial hub in Liberia. Located in the city of Paynesville (just outside the capital, Monrovia), it serves as Liberia’s primary economic heartbeat, where goods from across the region are traded daily.
