Episcopal Relief & Development has received $600,000 Grant from Islamic Relief USA to expand its work combating violence against women and girls in Liberia.
From an Episcopal Relief & Development press release:
March 9, 2020
Episcopal Relief & Development has received a second, three-year, $600,000 grant from Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) to expand a ground-breaking partnership with the humanitarian arm of the Episcopal Church of Liberia (ECL-RD) to combat gender-based violence in Liberia. This program, which equips faith and community leaders to transform harmful cultural and religious attitudes towards women, is also supported by a grant from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, The Laura Ellen & Robert Muglia Family Foundation, and other generous donations.
Liberia is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for women and children. More than 50% of Liberians live in poverty and the country has some of the highest rates globally of violence against women and girls. Violence takes many forms, including female genital cutting, child marriage and economic violence such as the denial of education. According to the United Nations, 39% of women experience physical or sexual intimate partner violence at least once in their lifetime. Faith and community leaders play a critical role in helping shape positive cultural views on gender equality.
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“Islamic Relief USA is proud of its partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development that has focused on tackling one of the most pressing issues impacting women and girls in Liberia,” said Sharif Aly, CEO of Islamic Relief USA. “Through a comprehensive, faith grounded approach, we have been able to build trust throughout communities and make significant progress towards combating gender-based violence in an oftentimes highly volatile environment.”
Check out this IRUSA podcast interview with Dr. Robert Radtke, President of Episcopal Relief and Development, on Protecting Women and Girls in Liberia.
The Rt. Rev. William Meade, third bishop of Virginia, was active in the American Colonization Society which promoted the “return” of slaves to Africa – Liberia – as an alternative to emancipation. The Episcopal Church of Liberia became independent of The Episcopal Church in 1979.
Source of image here.