MONROVIA – The Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, Loretta Pope Kai, has issued a powerful call to action, declaring that passion alone is insufficient to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and that the nation must commit to robust, long-term funding to build a permanent system of protection and justice.
Speaking in an address at the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Pope Kai framed sustainable financing not as a mere budgetary line item, but as the fundamental pillar for ensuring the safety, dignity, and future of all Liberians.
“Ending Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment in Liberia requires more than passion; it requires sustainable financing,” Pope Kai stated, setting a decisive tone for the commemoration. “We call on government, development partners, the private sector, and communities to commit to long-term investment in the safety and dignity of women, girls, boys, and all vulnerable people.”
The civil society leader outlined a clear vision of what sustainable financing entails, moving beyond the cycle of short-term, donor-dependent projects. She emphasized that reliable funding is what keeps essential services from collapsing.
“Sustainable financing means ensuring that safe homes do not close, that survivors can access justice and medical care, that prevention programs continue in schools and communities, and that frontline workers are trained and supported,” she articulated. “It means moving beyond short-term projects to building permanent systems that protect every Liberian, everywhere.”
This call for systemic change was directed at the highest levels of national planning. Pope Kai urged national leaders to strengthen budget allocations specifically for GBV response, enforce strict accountability and transparency in the use of funds, and critically, to integrate GBV financing across key ministries.
“We must see GBV financing woven into the national budgets of the health, education, and justice sectors, as well as the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection,” she asserted. “This is not a standalone issue; it is a national crisis that touches every facet of our society.”
Pope Kai’s appeal extended beyond government, outlining a responsibility for all sectors of Liberian society. She called on the private sector to become a active partner by investing in prevention programs and establishing robust workplace protection policies.
“Corporate Liberia has a vital role to play in creating safe environments and funding the initiatives that protect our citizens,” she said. Furthermore, she encouraged local communities to support grassroots initiatives that empower survivors and promote gender equality, emphasizing that change must be rooted at every level.
Connecting the fight against GBV to the nation’s broader aspirations, Pope Kai delivered a stark and powerful conclusion: “There can be no lasting peace, development, or democracy in Liberia without sustained investment in ending GBV.” Her closing words served as both a challenge and a rallying cry for collective action: “Let us work together to build a future where safety is guaranteed, rights are respected, and every life is valued.”
