MONROVIA – The Progressive Students Alliance (PROSA) at the University of Liberia has officially announced a nationwide “March for Dignity,” scheduled for August 27, 2025, aimed at raising awareness and seeking justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
This initiative comes in response to the alarming statistics regarding rape and sexual assault in Liberia, as highlighted by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
During a Press conference PROSA’s chairman emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing that from January to October 2024 alone, there were 2,759 reported cases of rape in Liberia, with a staggering 68.7% occurring in Montserrado County.
This translates to an average of nine rapes reported each day, underlining the crisis that has gripped the nation.
The “March for Dignity” is described as a passionate call to action, aimed at standing up against these disturbing trends and giving voice to survivors who have often faced systemic silence and neglect.
The date, August 27, is significant as it marks a day of national remembrance for the lives affected by sexual violence and coincides with the anniversaries of several high-profile cases that have sparked public outrage.
“We are marching for the girl who never came home, for the boy who couldn’t speak out, for every survivor who was blamed instead of believed,” stated the PROSA chairman, highlighting the need for visibility and solidarity in the fight against gender-based violence.
The march aims to unify allies, activists, students, workers, and concerned citizens to advocate for key demands, including:
Comprehensive justice reform to ensure survivor-centered investigations and expedited prosecutions.
Implementation of mandatory consent education in schools from early adolescence onward.
Improved support and protections for victims navigating the justice system.
PROSA stresses that the current responses to sexual violence are inadequate, and they are demanding immediate action from the government. Their call includes ensuring fast-track trials for rape cases, holding law enforcement accountable for negligence, and providing psychological support for victims and their families.
“This is not a plea. It is a demand grounded in constitutional rights, human dignity, and the rule of law,” the statement concluded, urging the government to take swift and transparent actions. The upcoming “March for Dignity” is anticipated to draw significant public participation, reflecting the grassroots demand for change and justice across Liberia. PROSA’s commitment to this cause signifies a critical stand against the persistence of gender-based violence in the nation, echoing the collective voice of those advocating for a safer and more just society.
