Conflict in Liberia

During the conflict in Liberia that lasted between 1989 and 1997 and also from 1999 to 2003, Liberian women and girls were confronted with unspeakable acts of violence including:
- Abduction
- Rape and other forms of sexual violence
- Murder of family 

During the conflict, women played roles such as commanders, combatants, porters, spies, sex slaves, cooks and mothers. Estimates of women and girls associated with fighting forces were in the range of 30-40% or 25,000-30,000 of all fighting forces. The high levels of sexual violence committed against women and girls is likely one of the most devastating aspects of their experience and the main difference between what men and women experienced in the conflict.

Although UN-sponsored disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation, and reintegration (DDRR) programs in Liberia did a better job of assisting females formerly associated with the fighting forces than other DDRR programs in other countries, women and girls still experienced significant difficulties in accessing and fully benefiting from the programs compared to men and boys.

As a result, thousands of women and girls that should have benefited did not. Many other women and girls that did participate dropped out for reasons such as the shame and stigma of being associated, limited child care, and sexual exploitation in schools. Many female former fighters are now facing overwhelming conditions and responsibilities alone. Few have access to appropriate medical care and many others are largely uneducated, jobless, and with few skills. With little help to ease the burden, they have full responsibility for raising their children.

At the same time, the incidences of sexual violence against females in homes, schools, and communities continue to rise in Liberia, seriously impacting the well being of Liberian families and society.

Take action to support women in Liberia - support the International Violence against Women Act