Making Sexuality Education Accessible in Liberia

Recently, several representatives from RFSU, including our President, Lina Fridén, travelled to Liberia for work. During a morning session, Lina met with IDI's Alonzo D. Dixon, Vickie B. Zoevah, and Bindu P. Butler to discuss the opportunities and challenges related to sexuality education in Liberia.

Transforming the education system

Alonzo, the founder and director of IDI, explained that IDI operates school clubs in five regions of Liberia, focusing on schools with students who have visual or hearing impairments. He emphasised the need for systemic change:

"We want to change the education system. The new government has pledged to prioritise education, and children and young people with disabilities should be a part of this commitment. Currently, many of us lack the opportunity to attend school. Accessible infrastructure, such as roads accessible for wheelchairs, is necessary for even reaching schools."

IDI is also working to provide educational materials in Braille, so that youths living with sight loss can access correct information. Despite challenges, including receiving a broken Braille printer and delays in delivery, they have managed to produce Braille materials on menstruation. Alonzo also shared:

"We have printed copies of the Liberian Constitution in Braille. This enables more people to read and assert their rights."

Challenges faced by pregnant living with disabilities

Liberia is one of the world's poorest countries. Maternal mortality is high, and marginalised groups, including those living with disabilities, are disproportionately affected. Discrimination in healthcare is a severe issue, as Bindu recounted:

"In 2022, a pregnant woman in a wheelchair was turned away from a hospital nearby from here. The nurse questioned her presence, asking, 'How did you even get into this situation? What are you doing here?' The woman later died from complications."

Bindu shaked her head when sharing the story. Alonzo stressed the need for more data on the conditions faced by persons with disabilities in Liberia to drive effective change.

Lina shared RFSU and Funktionsrätt Sverige's work on disability rights, particularly the report on the challenges that people with disabilities face regarding parenthood. Despite the universal nature of these experiences, poverty in Liberia adds a further layer of complexity. Sexual and reproductive rights should be universal.

Building Inclusive Networks

In Liberia, ten organisations collaborate on SRHR within the Amplify Rights Network (ARN), of which IDI is a member. Alonzo views the network as crucial for promoting inclusion and accessibility perspectives. As a result of IDI's efforts, more organisations have begun to incorporate sign language interpreters into their work. ARN hosted the country's first SRHR conference in 2023, with over 700 participants. Alonzo proudly noted:

"The network is more inclusive now, thanks to us."

RFSU's training in financial management important

Alonso concluded by acknowledging the role of RFSU's support for IDI. RFSU has two local colleagues in Liberia, Aminata Kamara and John M. Barkemeni, who coordinate the network’s efforts and RFSU provide training on sexuality education, finance, and governance.

Recently, IDI secured funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), allowing them to expand their sexuality education initiatives. Alonzo highlighted how RFSU's training in financial management was one key in obtaining USAID's support:

"With the increased funding, we can pursue our advocacy and educational efforts more sustainably."