Behavioural changes key to fighting abuse in Liberia’s schools – UN envoy

The top United Nations envoy to Liberia has stressed the need for greater awareness and behavioural changes to combat sexual exploitation and abuse in schools, and reiterated the world body’s commitment to help the West African nation in its efforts.

Ellen Margrethe Løj was speaking at a ceremony in the capital, Monrovia, during which the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) handed over thousands of books containing messages aimed at raising awareness to deter perpetrators and offer support to young female students.

Young girls are often intimidated or lured into having sex with teachers in exchange for grades, according to a news release issued by the Mission.

Ms. Løj, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of UNMIL, emphasized the need for greater efforts to ensure that teachers do not take advantage of young girls under the pretext of teaching them, and called for reaching out to Liberian men about the need to change their behaviour.

“We deeply feel that it’s important for Liberian girls and women; we owe it to them to do our utmost to ensure that they are not victims of sexual exploitation and abuse and gender-based violence,” she said.

UN agencies in Liberia are part of a taskforce on sexual and gender-based violence that also includes non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the Government. The group uses various methods to empower young girls to say no to unwanted sexual and exploitative advances by those in positions of authority.

Its outreach efforts include radio jingles, drama, billboards and posters around the country that incorporate the slogan, “no sex for help, no help for sex.”