Source: The New Dawn
A group called Women of Change, established by some Liberian women in 2010 has been fighting against domestic violence faced by women here, and promoting women's rights through education.

The Executive Director of Women of Change Madam Heidy Paye, said the institution has established a school in Gaye Town, Old Road named Save Our Future, to help widows and less fortunate children have access to quality education. Madam Paye said domestic violence is not only beating on women physically but young girls and women using their bodies for prostitution to survive.

A survey conducted in Central Monrovia last November by Women of Change, said 250 questionnaires were prepared and 55 were to residents of Center, Benson, and Carey Streets; 82 to residents of Randall, Newport, and Front Streets, including the Joehansen community along the UN Drive suburb of Monrovia.

It said these are women who used this means to survive and educate themselves, and that 22 of them live with their parents and engaged in petty trading, but have no idea on domestic violence. She also narrated that a domestic violence happened to one of their members, who was beheaded by her 21years old fiancée last year in Sinoe County.

Madam Ajawavi Ajavon, Consultant and Resource Mobilization Coordinator of Women of Change also said that domestic violence is not only physical but also metal and psychological. She said women and children are property of men but this does not mean that they are slaves.

Madam Ajavon said based on survey report, they group proposed a program to create economic opportunities for school-going-age girls from 15- 25, especially less privileged and most disadvantaged girls living in slums and ghettoes.

• Liberia