A conglomeration of civil society and profession women groups have embark upon a national campaign to practically combat drug trafficking and substance abuse in Liberia.
Among the many championing for the national cause, the groups stressed that the time to act is now, and they must confront the national crisis head-on to ensure a resilient and prosperous future for Liberia.
The groups pointed out that as they confront the urgent challenges posed by illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse affecting the youth and communities, they stand united in their commitment to safeguarding the health and future of our nation.
According to them, The Drug Law of Liberia provides a vital framework for addressing these critical issues.
However, they stated that it is essential that they mobilize their resources and actions to address the complex and overlapping issues, delivering a coordinated, integrated, and holistic response.
Looking at the urgency of the issue, the groups maintain that it is more pressing than ever that they foster collaboration between government authorities, civil society, and community organizations to develop robust prevention and intervention strategies that prioritize education and rehabilitation and stronger accountability.
They emphasized the devastating effects of illicit drug trafficking which extend well beyond individual lives; threaten families, destabilize communities, and undermine national security.
“We want to highlight the impact on women and girls in multiple ways: as victims of illicit drug use, as parents, and in trafficking and trade”, they noted.
They indicated that given the prevailing gender inequality, women and girls also bear the socio-economic burden of illicit drug use, including increased vulnerability to sexual and gender-based violence.
“We believe that to effectively combat this issue, collective and intentional actions must be taken, such as ensuring that communities, especially women and young people, have access to necessary resources, including mental health support, addiction treatment information, and community networks”, the women group reechoed.
The groups historicized that they have seen with the 2014 Ebola Outbreak and more recently, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, when communities are equipped with knowledge and tools, they can proactively protect their families, lead on culturally appropriate messaging and programs, and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
They reflected that Liberian women and community-led responses have historically been at the forefront of social transformation, playing a central role in grassroots movements, advocating for change, promoting peacebuilding initiatives, and mobilizing communities to shift gender and social norms.
Women engagement they acknowledged is crucial for mobilizing collective action against drug trafficking and substance abuse, ultimately promoting safe environments for the youth nothing that women must be engaged as key stakeholders in the development and implementation of programs.
In a move to practically address the issue, they want the establishment of effective drug prevention programs tailored to the cultural context which they stated is also essential, and involving women as educators will enhance their approach to informing young people about the dangers of substance abuse while fostering resilience and empowerment.
Addressing the intergenerational cycle of substance abuse is necessary as well, they noted.
According to them, By transforming personal narratives into powerful advocacy tools, they can empower men, women, and young people to guide the next generation toward healthier choices.
“As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize that the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all segments of our society”, the reemphasized.
It is important, they stated to recognize that tackling illicit drug use will require prevention mechanisms to not further marginalize communities already impacted by low socio-economic status.
The women groups also call for strong community engagement and ownershipTo enhance accountability within security agencies, it is essential to remove and prosecute law enforcement officers involved in drug trafficking, as public trust cannot thrive amid impunity, they noted.
They want Comprehensive laws should be enacted to criminalize drug trafficking while safeguarding vulnerable youth from incarceration due to addiction.
Emphasis, they reiterated must be placed on community-based treatment centers, educational programs, and psychosocial support for young individuals struggling with addiction.
Additionally they said collaboration with neighboring countries and ECOWAS is crucial for disrupting trafficking routes and sharing intelligence.
The women groups also call on all stakeholders—government bodies, civil society, community organizations, and international partners—to unite in such urgent effort.
“Together, let’s cultivate healthier communities where our young people are shielded from the grip of drugs and empowered to realize their full potential” they added.
Under the campaign focus, end drug trafficking, empower community leadership and protect our youth, the Professional women and civil society groups to include; Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, WONGOSOL, National Civil Society Council of Liberia, Peace and Security of Women in ECOWAS, AREA-Liberia , AWLN- Liberia chapter and We are unprotected campaign.
Others are women human rights defenders of Liberia, Female journalists Association of Liberia and Liberia feminist forum.are collective championing the course to end such troubling societal issue.
