Just A Girl Initiatives Sign MOU with Men Against Rape and Domestic Violence -Agree To Jointly Fight Rape & Domestic Violence Together
By: Staff writer
In a major step towards strengthening the fight against rape and domestic violence, Just A Girl Initiatives (JAGI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Men Against Rape and Domestic Violence (MARDV).
The partnership aims to unite efforts in combating these pervasive issues across communities in Margibi, Montserrado, Bomi, Nimba, and Grand Bassa.
The signing ceremony took place on February 27, 2025, at the Just A Girl Initiatives office in Duazon, Lower Margibi County.
MARDV, a non-governmental organization founded by the late Liberian journalist, Trogen M. Kaizolu, has been at the forefront of advocating against sexual violence and domestic abuse while protecting the rights of women and girls in Liberia.
Mark Mengofia, representing MARDV, signed the MOU on behalf of the organization. In his remarks, he emphasized the significance of this collaboration in the fight against gender-based violence.
Just A Girl Initiatives, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to advocating for and protecting the rights of girls and women. Their efforts focus on raising awareness about sexual and gender-based violence, empowering women and girls through vocational and technical skills, and creating opportunities for women to live productive lives.
Madam Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, the founder and executive director of Just A Girl Initiatives, signed the MOU on behalf of her organization, with beneficiaries of the organization in attendance.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, witnessed by staff and beneficiaries of Just A Girl vocational and economic empowerment program, Madam Seagbeh described the partnership as pivotal for the advancement and protection of girls, women and children throughout communities, especially communities with high rates of violence and abuses.
“Today’s singing is a symbol of our commitment in advocating for the rights of women and girls in Liberia, as well as boys and men who have and continue to suffer rape and other forms of abuses.” Mrs. Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, said during the signing ceremony.
She continued by saying, "The issues of rape and domestic violence affect families and communities. Therefore, everyone must get involved in this fight and not leave it solely to women. Women are not the ones committing these crimes; men are the main perpetrators. That’s why we feel excited to join this partnership with Men Against Rape and Domestic Violence in fighting this menace."
Reading through the agreement, Mrs. Seagbeh said MARDV and JAGI wish to collaborate and align their efforts through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their shared objectives in fighting against rape and domestic violence, helping communities to know and understand the reporting pathway and how to report incidents of rape and domestic violence (whether perpetrated against either gender, male or female.
As part of things agreed by the two institutions, are the promotion, protection, and participation of Liberian women and girls of Margibi, Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Bassa and Bomi Counties into ventures focusing on combating and raising awareness about rape and domestic violence.
“ We will provide support by linking victims and survivors to other organizations that provide resources for victims and survivors. You know we don’t have the money but we can link people to institutions and JAGI has been doing it” Mrs. Seagbeh said they will carry out joint awareness campaigns, community outreach and education, advocacy and policy change
“Ensuring the active participation of women and girls in community decision-making processes. Mentor and educate men and young boys as well as women across communities about the danger of rape and domestic violence and the impacts it has on families, communities, and the nation in general” she said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director for Men Against Rape and Domestic Violence (MARDV) Mark Neywon Mengonfia said the signing is a great step in fighting rape and domestic violence in Liberia.
Mr. Mengonfia said as a father of girls, he sees the need to fight for a safe space for women, girls, children and all humans.
“That is why it is with great pleasure that we have gathered here this afternoon with the purpose of signing an MOU with Just A Girl Initiatives, an institution that has similar focus as MARDV” Mengonfia said.
He added, “This MOU is intended to join our forces to challenge this national problem together.
We intend to have a series of activities this year ranging from organizing sports tournaments, having engagements with community members and their leaderships, establishing HE for SHE clubs in high schools among others.”
The MARDV Executive Director indicated, “We don’t want to sit for another child to be raped, a boy sodomized or a woman killed violently before we start to condemn.”
As part of activities, the MARDV ED said they are planning a daylong football tournament on March 15,2015 with the purpose of raising awareness.
Mengonfia said MARDV was established in 2020 at the time former President George Weah declared rape as a national emergency.
He said, “ It is an institution that seeks to change attitudes, promote healthy relationships, and foster a culture of respect, responsibility, and equality for all.
The two organizations also agreed to will work collaboratively with survivors, policymakers, and stakeholders to create a safer environment where violence will no longer have a place.
He furthered, “ The vision of this institution to see a Liberia where every individual, regardless of gender, lives free from the threat of rape and domestic violence.”
The MARDV ED indicated that they envision a society where men and women stand united in the fight against violence, and where mutual respect, love, and understanding form the foundation of all relationships.
“We aspire to a future where no person suffers in silence and where justice and support are accessible to all who need it” he indicated.