ActionAid Liberia Concludes 3-Day SRHR Conference in Gbarpolu under “Breaking the Barriers,” Pledges Local Support

By: Samuel King | Contributing Writer

‎Bopolu City, Sunday, October 12, 2025-ActionAid Liberia has wrapped up a three-day conference on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in Gbarpolu County. The event was held from Wednesday, October 8 to Friday, October 10, 2025.

‎The event, organized under the theme “Breaking the Barriers,” is a key component of the five-year Just and Equal Communities initiative, which seeks to expand access to comprehensive SRHR information and services for young people, marginalized groups, and sexual minorities across several counties, including Gbarpolu.

‎The conference brought together a diverse group of participants, including traditional leaders, county authorities, women, and persons living with disabilities, among others.

‎Delegates engaged in discussions aimed at empowering communities to make informed health decisions, reducing harmful traditional practices, and strengthening accountability for SRH commitments by duty bearers.

‎The event reinforced ActionAid Liberia’s broader mission to promote dignity, freedom from discrimination, and justice for vulnerable populations in Liberia, with a continued focus on eradicating harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and advancing comprehensive SRHR.

‎Highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, the event emphasized inclusive participation and the central role of traditional leaders in driving community-level change.

‎Speakers underscored the need for accessible SRHR information and services, improved health outcomes, and stronger mechanisms to hold duty bearers accountable.

‎In remarks at the conference, James Kpoto Scott, Administrative Officer of Gbarpolu County, reaffirmed local authorities’ commitment to the campaign.

‎“We, as county leaders, are fully committed to breaking the barriers that hinder access to SRHR information and services for our people,” he said, that this campaign aligns with our duty to protect the health and rights of every resident, including women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups in this part of Liberia.

‎“We will work with our communities to ensure that SRHR services are available, affordable, and respectful, and we will hold duty bearers accountable for delivering on these commitments,” he added.

‎Meanwhile, the Gbarpolu County Administrative Officer also emphasized the need for continued collaboration between community leaders and national organizations to sustain progress.

‎“Our County will partner with ActionAid Liberia and other partners to expand service points, support community-led initiatives, and promote dignity and equality for all residents,” he stated.

‎The Conference lead Williet Sadlo said that the ActionAid Liberia’s Just and Equal Communities project is designed to empower communities to make informed health decisions, reduce harmful traditional practices, and strengthen accountability mechanisms for SRH commitments.

‎She said that the initiative seeks to improve access to information and services across Liberia, ensuring that vulnerable groups—including young people, women, people with disabilities, and sexual minorities—have a voice in policy formulation and service delivery.

‎As Liberia advances its SRHR agenda; events like this conference are positioned as catalysts for lasting change, reinforcing the belief that communities can break barriers to achieve better health, rights, and equality for all.

‎The conference concluded with commitments from local authorities and participants to intensify collaboration and sustain momentum in the Just and Equal Communities program.