Liberian Women Association of Kentucky

President Grace Jackson
Email: liberianwomenky@yahoo.com
P O Box 206353
Louisville KY 40220

Liberian Women Association of Kentucky

Liberia and America

Liberia, the first independent democratic republic in Africa was established with the predominance of descendants of freed people of color who had hitherto lived in the AMERICAS. The National Colonization Society of America chose Liberia as a homeland for freed American slaves. Land was obtained by treaty with indigenous tribes in 1822, and was subsequently settled. In 1847, Liberia proclaimed itself an independent republic.

In 1980, a bloody coup, overthrew President William Tolbert.

WHO NEEDS HELP

The civil war of l989 in Liberia caused much destruction of lives and properties, and as a result many people fled to other West African Countries and abroad into exile. Today in Liberia there are lots of children who need to be detraumatized and given guidance for the development of a better society. Many of these Liberian youths do not have the privilege to attain even a preschool education to serve as a basic foundation for further development.

Unfortunately, there are not many programs put in place to enhance their education. This puts not only the children at risk while they are most vulnerable but has the potential to impact Liberian society for many generations to come. Dedicated Liberians are working to improve conditions in their country and we are looking for people willing to help us in this transitional period.

On this note, the future of the youths and children is uncertain and we are at a very vulnerable time in our history. If we do not do all we can right now the future of Liberian youth could be bleak. Especially the ones most traumatized and affected by civil war and the loss of family members. We have noticed that some guardians/parents can not look after their children. A preschool (Day Care Center) will be another approach.

Some parents abandon their children in the dumpsites as a medium of relieving their financial burden. These children sometimes die before they are found or in poor health. We hope to do some outreach with these children and provide them with education, food, clothes and a safe place to be.

Women

Violence Against Women During the War
As is often the case in refugee-producing situations, women have been especially affected by war-related violence. Many were forced into sex during the conflict in order to feed themselves or their family, to get shelter or clothing, or for protection and safety. In one survey documented by the American Medical Association, 49% report experiencing one act of physical or sexual violence from a soldier or fighter during the war; 32% report they had been strip-searched; 17% report being locked-up, tied, or beaten; 15% report they had been raped; and 42% say they had witnessed a soldier kill or rape someone else (Swiss et al, 1998).
The word itself may not be an exactly-translatable term into Liberian-English, hence one should use more general terms like ''forced sex.'' Sensitive questioning should be prefaced by deferential remarks, such as ''Excuse me, Ma, but . . .''

Sexually Transmitted Diseases
It would not be at all unexpected for recent Liberian refugees to suffer from STDs, as poverty and lack of economic opportunity can cause sexual diseases to be quite rampant in camps (see Henry 1998). In Liberia, STDs are most often treated by oneself or by non-Western or ''traditional'' healers, typically herbalists or Muslim holy men, who may enjoy wide respect for their abilities. The medications are most often ointments or teas, though less commonly an enema or vaginal implant may be used.
Condoms are not widely used among Liberians, for reasons of in-country accessibility and/ or widely held popular beliefs, such as that the condom may ''slip off'' during use and cause internal complications. Even in refugee camps with access to some degree of health services, condoms are often not practically available, or may be sold at a cost preclusive for the average ''cash-poor'' refugee to afford.