A Liberian author and educator , Dr. Charles Gbollie has conducted a new study on barriers to Girls education and rising gender based violence cases in Liberia.
The study among other things provides clear evidence that actors must do more to ensure girls have equal opportunities to learn and succeed.
He stressed that in addressing such issue is critical to improving educational outcomes.
The study among other things show that many girls in Liberia face multiple challenges just to remain in school.
“GBV is not only a violation of human rights but also creates an unsafe environment that drives women and girls away from schools,” Dr. Gbollie said.
According to him now is the time to act indicating if technicians in the sector are to create a Liberia where every woman and girl can learn, lead, and thrive, there is a need for a coordinated efforts from government, civil society, and the international community respectively.
The Liberian educator said women’s rights are not only human rights; rather they are rights that guarantee and protect all of humanity.
“All of us in this world came through women. They are not only our sisters and wives but also loving and caring mothers. When women succeed, all of us succeed”, he noted. There is nothing much men can do in this world without the help and support of women. We must make their voices heard—everywhere, every place”, he re-emphasized.
Dr. Gbollie is currently in the United States, where he was officially invited to attend the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, taking place from March 10–21, 2025.
The Liberian author also pledged to use the CSW69 platform to present the study’s findings and champion the cause of women and girls in Liberia, particularly through FREE-Liberia’s programs and initiatives.
Meanwhile, The research was led by Dr. Charles Gbollie, Assistant Professor at the University of Liberia and Chief Executive Officer of FREE-Liberia.
Founded in July 2015, FREE-Liberia is a registered and accredited non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to fostering evidence-based solutions for long-term impact.
The organization is comprised of innovative researchers, academicians, and professionals in Liberia and abroad, dedicated to conducting systematic research that informs interventions in education, gender equity, and youth empowerment.
FREE-Liberia has conducted several empirical studies, including the widely cited publication: “Student Academic Performance: The Role of Motivation, Strategies, and Perceived Factors Hindering Liberian Junior and Senior High School Students’ Learning”.
