GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY – In a show of solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), Menleleh Incorporated, a community-based organization based in Gbarnga, Bong County, has donated a variety of food and sanitary supplies to the Safe Home operated by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The donation seeks to ease the strain on the Safe Home, which provides temporary refuge for women and girls affected by sexual and gender-based violence. Items presented included five bags of rice, two three-gallon containers of vegetable oil, six packs of Vita, five dozen toothbrushes, three dozen medicated soaps, five dozen rolls of tissue, two dozen tubes of toothpaste, cartons of Clorox, and two dozen packs of sanitary pads, among other essentials.
Speaking during the handover ceremony recently in Gbarnga, Pokai Kofi Brown, an executive member of Menleleh Incorporated, explained that the support was provided in response to a request from the county’s Gender Coordinator, made through the organization’s partner, Forum CIV.
“We received an appeal from the Gender Coordinator through Forum C to assist the Safe Home. While we couldn’t fulfill all the needs, we decided to contribute food and sanitary materials to help survivors,” Brown stated.
He emphasized that although the contribution may seem small, it represents the organization’s continued commitment to empowering and standing with GBV survivors.
“This may be the widow’s mite, but we believe it will make an impact. We’re also encouraging others—partners, institutions, and individuals—to join in. The Safe Home must remain a place of comfort and recovery, and that takes collective effort,” he added.
Receiving the donation, Madam Musu Mulbah, Bong County Gender Coordinator, expressed appreciation to Menleleh Incorporated for the timely assistance. She pointed out that the Safe Home continues to face challenges due to limited funding and insufficient supplies.
“These items are crucial because we can’t accommodate survivors at the Safe Home without food and sanitary materials. Right now, we have a serious case in need of shelter, but our resources are stretched. This donation will greatly help us manage the situation,” Madam Mulbah said.
She further acknowledged Menleleh Incorporated for its consistent collaboration with the Ministry and its ongoing support for GBV interventions in Bong County.
“Menleleh has always been there for us and for our survivors. This is not their first contribution, and we deeply value their consistency and compassion,” she added.
Safe Homes across Liberia serve as vital protection centers for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, offering counseling, medical care, legal assistance, and shelter. However, many of these facilities, including the one in Bong County, struggle to operate effectively due to irregular funding and lack of basic supplies.
Madam Mulbah concluded by urging more local organizations and citizens to follow Menleleh’s example.
“Gender issues are not just for one person or one group, they concern all of us. If we work together, we can make Bong County a safer and more caring place for survivors,” she said.
