IPNEWS: Former presidential candidate and Political Leader of the Reformer National Congress (RNC), Alexander Kollie, has issued a strong call for drastic reforms within Liberia’s justice system, urging authorities to take decisive action to eradicate gender-based violence (GBV) across the country.
Speaking during a program marking his return to Liberia over the weekend, Kollie challenged local authorities to enforce accountability and address what he described as a “harsh and persistent reality” facing women and girls nationwide. He emphasized that gender-based violence remains deeply rooted in societal inequality and systemic failure, requiring urgent national attention.
Kollie said his engagement was aimed at raising public awareness and stimulating honest dialogue around GBV, an issue he noted is often suppressed by cultural and traditional norms. According to him, these norms force cases of abuse to remain “hidden behind closed doors,” discouraging victims from seeking justice and preventing communities from confronting the underlying causes of violence.
While acknowledging that women and girls are the most visible victims of gender-based violence, Kollie stressed that men and boys also suffer abuse in silence. He explained that fear, stigma, and societal expectations often prevent male victims from speaking out or accessing support.
“The painful truth is that many of us learn fear before we learn confidence,” Kollie said, pointing to the societal pressures that inhibit open conversations about abuse and violence.
He called for collective action at all levels of society, urging traditional leaders, community heads, and public officials to educate themselves on national and international legal frameworks that protect citizens. Among these, he cited the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as key instruments that must be actively upheld.
Declaring that the nation has reached a turning point, Kollie urged Liberians to stand united and say “enough is enough” to violence fueled by inequality and injustice. He criticized systemic shortcomings within law enforcement and the judicial system, noting that many victims are further traumatized when cases are reported but not properly investigated or prosecuted due to limited resources and institutional weaknesses.
Kollie further called on the government to demonstrate commitment by allocating adequate budgetary support to address gender-based violence and other critical social issues. He stressed that sustained investment is essential to creating a safe and enabling environment where young people can grow, thrive, and confidently advocate for their rights.
“Without real support and political will, justice will remain out of reach for the most vulnerable,” Kollie warned, reiterating his appeal for urgent reforms to protect current and future generations. By: Andrew B Weah, 0770637216/0886429103, andrewbweah@gmail.com
