Episcopal Relief & Development and the humanitarian arm of the Episcopal Church of Liberia have received a second $670,000 three-year grant from the U.N. Trust Fund to End Violence against Women.
Working with local Anglican and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development is focused on creating long-term solutions in three key priorities: women, children, and climate. The organization’s work with women concentrates the rights and safety of women and children so that communities may grow and thrive.
A partnership with the Church of Liberia, Scaling Up Faith Leaders Engagement to Prevent and Respond to Violence against Women and Girls, works to reduce partner violence and increases access to services for women in rural settings. It builds on the success of an earlier pilot program that was supported by the U.N. Trust Fund and Islamic Relief USA, among others.
“Violence against women and girls is a global epidemic, and is often more severe in post conflict countries in Liberia. Everyone should live a life free from violence and be granted dignity and respect,” said Kirsten Muth, special adviser, international programs, at Episcopal Relief & Development. “Through our partnership with Christian and Muslim faith leaders, we are working to change that.”
Liberia is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for women and children. More than 50 percent of Liberians live in poverty, and Liberia has some of the highest rates of violence against women and girls in the world. According to the United Nations, 39 percent of women experience violence.
“This grant will enable us to expand our resources and outreach to make a greater impact in changing attitudes towards women. We appreciate the recognition of the value of engaging faith communities to serve as a force for transformation in their communities,” said Annette Musu Kiawu, national director of the Episcopal Church of Liberia’s program.
Adapted from Episcopal Relief & Development
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
