Context And Situation Analysis: Liberia Is A Divided Country

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Analysis of Liberia's political, social, and humanitarian context highlights significant challenges that directly relate to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Liberia, with a population of approximately 4.6 million divided into fifteen administrative regions, struggles with low literacy rates (approximately 42.94%) and high poverty levels. These socio-economic conditions exacerbate vulnerabilities, especially among women and girls, who often become breadwinners through prostitution and face heightened risks during health crises. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious threat to this fragile social fabric, emphasizing the need for widespread awareness campaigns and effective implementation of emergency measures.

The political context is characterized by ongoing efforts to contain the virus through state-imposed emergency measures, including a nationwide stay-at-home order. While these efforts aim to limit the spread of COVID-19, they also yield unintended consequences: it becomes increasingly difficult for individuals, particularly women and girls engaged in informal daily hustles or prostitution, to survive. This situation further complicates public health efforts as these populations are at higher risk of infection due to their economic circumstances and social marginalization. Civil society organizations (CSOs) dedicated to women's engagement in peacebuilding, security, and humanitarian responses operate in this environment despite resource constraints and the constraints imposed by the pandemic.

Within this context, women and girls face compounded vulnerabilities—economic insecurity, limited educational opportunities due to low literacy, and increased exposure to health risks. Civil society groups working on women's issues are central to advocacy and community engagement efforts but face challenges such as limited funding, capacity constraints, and restrictions on movement and gatherings resulting from the pandemic. The intersection of public health, socio-economic fragility, and gender inequality underscores the urgency for targeted interventions that promote women’s participation and rights in peace and security processes amid COVID-19.

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Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and intensified existing vulnerabilities within Liberia’s society, especially among women and girls. As a fragile post-conflict country with socio-economic challenges, Liberia’s response to the pandemic requires a nuanced understanding of its political and social context. The intersectionality of health, gender inequality, poverty, and socio-political instability necessitates targeted interventions that leverage civil society organizations (CSOs) to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and foster sustainable community resilience.

Broader Political and Humanitarian Context

Liberia's political landscape, shaped by years of civil conflict ending in 2003, continues to influence its capacity to respond effectively to emergencies such as COVID-19. The government’s declaration of a state of emergency, including restrictions on movement and public gatherings, aims to curb the virus's spread but inadvertently hampers economic activities for vulnerable populations, particularly women engaged in informal sectors. This creates an urgent need for community-level health education and support mechanisms that are culturally sensitive and accessible.

Moreover, Liberia’s health infrastructure remains fragile, with limited capacity for testing, contact tracing, and treatment, especially in rural areas. CSOs, especially those focused on women's rights and community development, are vital players in augmenting government efforts. These organizations provide health education, psychosocial support, and advocacy for policy reforms supportive of women's roles in peace and security, particularly during crises.

The humanitarian situation is compounded by high poverty rates and widespread illiteracy, which limit awareness and understanding of COVID-19 preventative measures. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, facing increased exposure to health risks and economic hardship. Civil society groups working on gender issues are crucial to promoting women’s active participation in decision-making processes related to COVID-19 responses, yet they struggle with limited operational capacity and funding constraints—a situation exacerbated by the pandemic.

Situation of Women and Girls in Liberia

Women and girls in Liberia face significant challenges that are magnified in the context of COVID-19. Many women are primary caregivers and breadwinners, often resorting to informal income-generating activities, including prostitution, which elevates their risk of infection. The low literacy rate hampers dissemination and comprehension of health messages, reducing the effectiveness of public health interventions.

Girls, in particular, face disrupted education due to school closures and economic hardship that forces many into early marriage or child labor. The increased exploitation, alongside limited access to health services and social protection, makes them especially vulnerable to violence and health hazards.

Civil society organizations advocating for women’s rights are actively engaged in raising awareness, providing health services, and lobbying for policies that support women’s empowerment. However, their efforts are hindered by resource shortages and movement restrictions due to COVID-19, which mandate innovative approaches to sustain these initiatives.

Strengthening women’s engagement in peace and security during this period is critical. Women’s participation in community decision-making, peacebuilding, and health responses can shape inclusive and effective COVID-19 strategies. Hence, supporting CSOs to carry out these roles is essential for sustainable development and crisis mitigation.

Rationale for WPHF’s Support

The Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) support aims to bolster specific initiatives by civil society organizations to educate illiterate women and girls about COVID-19 dangers, thus empowering them to make informed health decisions. This institutional support will facilitate grassroots awareness campaigns, capacity building for local women’s groups, and advocacy for the protection of women’s rights amid emergency measures.

This project aligns with IDAD’s (Institute for Development and Advancement of Liberia’s) goal to enhance women’s participation and resilience during crises by providing strategic, targeted programming that complements government efforts. The support will ensure that emergency measures do not infringe on fundamental rights, especially for marginalized women and girls. It addresses the challenge of limited capacity among CSOs to sustain COVID-19 related activities and to adapt to the constraints posed by the pandemic.

By strengthening CSOs’ operational capacity, fostering partnerships, and promoting women’s engagement, the initiative will contribute toward a more inclusive and effective response to COVID-19, reinforcing Liberia’s path toward recovery and resilience.

Results and Resources Framework

The project aims to achieve specific results, including increased awareness of COVID-19 risks among women and girls, strengthened capacity of CSOs in health education and advocacy, and enhanced participation of women in peace and security initiatives. Success will be measured through indicators such as the number of women reached with health messages, the number of active women-led CSOs engaged in COVID-19 response, and policy changes supporting women’s rights.

Activities include training workshops, community outreach sessions, advocacy campaigns, and partnership-building events. Verification methods involve pre- and post-intervention surveys, activity reports, and independent evaluations, ensuring accountability and evidence-based assessment of progress.

The resource framework will follow UNDG categories, detailing financial, human, and technical resources required to implement activities effectively, emphasizing sustainability beyond the project timeline.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Effective collaboration with local government agencies, international NGOs, and community-based organizations is crucial. Partners will play roles in resource sharing, logistical support, capacity development, and scaling outreach efforts. Particular attention will be paid to strengthening grassroots women’s organizations that serve as critical links between communities and policy frameworks, ensuring that women’s voices are incorporated into COVID-19 response strategies.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Sustainability

Robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be established to track progress, identify challenges, and adapt activities accordingly. Regular reporting and stakeholder consultations will foster transparency and accountability. The project will also include risk assessments and mitigation strategies to address potential challenges, such as funding gaps, movement restrictions, or security concerns.

Sustainability will be ensured through capacity building of local organizations, fostering strategic partnerships, and integrating project initiatives into national COVID-19 response plans. This approach will guarantee that the benefits of the project endure beyond its initial implementation period, embedding women’s participation and empowerment into Liberia’s long-term development framework.

Conclusion

Addressing Liberia’s multifaceted vulnerabilities during COVID-19 requires a comprehensive, inclusive, and locally-driven response. Civil society organizations, supported by WPHF and aligned with national priorities, can play a pivotal role in safeguarding women’s rights and promoting community resilience. Ensuring sustainability, fostering effective partnerships, and strengthening institutional capacities are essential steps toward a more equitable and resilient Liberia post-pandemic.

References

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• OECD. (2020). The Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 on Women in Africa. OECD Policy Paper.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2021). Liberia’s Recovery and Resilience Strategy. UNDP Liberia.
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• Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). (2022). Annual Report. WPHF.
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• United Nations Women. (2021). Women’s Rights in Liberia during COVID-19. UN Women Reports.