Final Evaluation: Action to end sexual and gender-based violence (Liberia)

Location: Liberia

Grantee: United Funding and Development for Underage Mothers (UFDUM)

Grant period: 1 January 2020 – 31 December 2022

Grant amount: USD 324,011

Authors/editors: James D. Bazzie

Publication year: 2023

United Funding and Development for Underage Mothers (UFDUM) with the support of UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women implemented a three-year pilot project “Action to end sexual and gender-based violence” to improve the well-being and quality of life of women and girls of Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount Counties, and their safety from all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. The project’s main objectives were to improve:  

• access for women and girls to essential, safe and adequate multi-sectoral services to end violence against women and girls; and 
• prevention of such violence through changes in behaviour, practices and attitudes. 

The final evaluation found that the project contributed to improved well-being and quality of life of women and girls, and improved UFDUM institutional strength. 

Main findings of the evaluation:  

• 89% of women’s rights groups were trained on promoting information via the media and communicating effectively about the elimination of sexual and gender-based violence. Additionally, the knowledge of 10 media practitioners was improved on this issue.  
• Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of the wider community in relation to the adverse effects of FGM, Child Marriage and sexual violence improved. At the end of the project, 64% (210) of respondents had improved knowledge on where to report cases of violence.  
• 93% of respondents reported that community members had become more capable of taking action to ensure the safety of women and girls.  
• The project contributed to movement-building through: increasing awareness of and sensitizing community members and stakeholders on sexual and gender-based violence prevention and response; and strengthening partnerships and collaboration with different government line ministries, community stakeholders and community structures.  
• UFDUM was institutionally strengthened, particularly its resilience to crises.